UK councils block taxi licences for drivers with serious convictions

South Cambridgeshire District Council refused a private‑hire licence to a driver who had been convicted of an incident that injured people and was subsequently disqualified from driving. The licensing panel concluded he was not a fit and proper person, noting his failure to disclose the conviction and a history of offences.

Highland Council announced a search for a solicitor to advise on licensing after controversy over its decision to allow a convicted rapist taxi driver, David Brown, to retain his operator licence. The council’s licensing committee voted 6‑4 to keep the licence despite police advice to refuse, prompting resignations of several councillors and a pending full‑council review of the decision.