Update on Taxi Operator Allocation Scheme
Perth and Kinross Council · 11 May 2026
Back to Licensing Committee — 11 May 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality _________________________________________________________________ Committee: Licensing Committee Date of Meeting: 11 May 2026 Report Title: Update on Taxi Operator Licence Allocation Scheme Report Number: 26/129 Report Author: Sarah Rodger, Legal Manager Organisational Lead: Lisa Simpson, Legal and Governance Services ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this Report is to provide the Licensing Committee with an update on the Allocation Scheme for the additional 24 Taxi Operator Licences and to summarise key outcomes and issues arising from the implementation of the scheme. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendations 3. Background 4. Administration of the Allocation Scheme 5. Current Position and Outcomes 6. Key Observations 7. Impact Value Assessment 8. Appendices 2. Recommendations This Report is submitted for the Licensing Committee’s information only and to provide transparency regarding the outcomes achieved and the work undertaken by officers in delivering the Committee’s decision. Therefore, it is recommended that the Committee: 2.1 Note the contents within Report.
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3. Background 3.1 On 6 October 2025, the Council determined that there was significant unmet demand for taxi services in Perth City, following a statutory Unmet Demand Survey and subsequent public consultation. (Report 25/260 refers) 3.2 On that basis, on 15 December 2025 the Licensing Committee approved the issue of 24 additional taxi operator licences, alongside an Allocation Scheme and a Policy of Non-Transferability for those licences. (Report 25/357 refers) 3.3 The Allocation Scheme was designed to: Improve availability and accessibility of taxi services; Ensure fairness and transparency in the distribution of new licences; and Support the growth of the local taxi trade, particularly new entrants. 4. Administration of the Allocation Scheme 4.1 The Allocation Scheme was advertised on social media and published on the Council’s website, supported by Frequently Asked Questions and guidance notes, in line with legal and procedural requirements. 4.2 The Allocation Scheme opened on 19 December 2025 and closed on 2 February 2026. 4.3 Within the Scheme period, 41 applications were received. Those applications were date and time stamped, prioritised and processed in accordance with the Allocation Scheme. 4.4 Administration of the Allocation Scheme has involved assessing applications against the criteria and ongoing communication with applicants and stakeholders. The team has taken considerable time to ensure that each stage of the process was handled consistently, transparently, and fairly. 5. Current Position and Outcomes 5.1 One licence did not meet the criteria as set out in the Allocation Scheme for reason of not meeting the vehicle requirements as previously determined by the Licensing Committee. 5.2 One of the applicants elected to be considered outwith the Allocation Scheme. 5.3 All of the initial allocations were to Priority 1 Applicants. Eight of these were withdrawn and reallocated to the next applicant on the list. 5.4 22 Taxi Operator Licences have now been granted. 5.5 There is a waiting list of seven at present. These names will remain on the waitlist in order of priority once all licences have been granted. 5.6 The waitlist is now open for any interested applicants to be added in order of date/time of their interest being registered with the Licensing Department.
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5.7 Although the Allocation Scheme related to the initial issue of 24 additional licences, it is noted that applications for taxi operator licences may still be submitted outwith the Allocation Scheme. Any such applications must be determined by the Licensing Committee in the normal manner, having regard to the Unmet Demand Survey and any other relevant evidence available at the time. 6. Key Observations 6.1 The Allocation Scheme has achieved its intended outcome, with all but two licences being granted to date. 6.2 The scheme has required a significant commitment of department time, particularly due to the complexity of administration and the volume of correspondence generated. 7. Impact Value Assessment 7.1 None required 8. Appendices 8.1 None