Agenda Document Pack - Licensing Committee - 22/09/2026
South Lanarkshire Council · 22 September 2026
Back to Licensing Committee — 22 September 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Council Offices, Almada Street Hamilton, ML3 0AA Monday, 14 September 2026 Dear Councillor Licensing Committee The Members listed below are requested to attend a meeting of the above Committee to be held as follows:- Date: Tuesday, 22 September 2026 Time: 10:00 Venue: Hybrid - Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA The business to be considered at the meeting is listed overleaf. Yours sincerely Paul Manning Chief Executive Members Andy Carmichael (Chair), Catherine McClymont (Depute Chair), Maureen Devlin (ex officio), Margaret Cowie, Gladys Ferguson-Miller, Julia Marrs, Kenny McCreary, Mark McGeever, David Shearer, Helen Toner Substitutes Robert Brown, Colin Dewar, Mary Donnelly, Davie McLachlan, Richard Nelson, Graham Scott 1
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BUSINESS 1 Declaration of Interests 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 1 September 2026 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 5 - 8 Item(s) for Decision 3 Licensing of Taxis – Review of Taxi Fares Report dated 12 August 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 9 - 16 Urgent Business 4 Urgent Business Any other items of business which the Chair decides are urgent. Exclusion of Press and Public 5 Exclusion of Press and Public It is recommended that the Committee makes the following resolution:- "That, in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) of business on the grounds that it is likely that there will be disclosure of exempt information in terms of Paragraph 14 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act." Item(s) for Decision 6 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) - Application for Grant of Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence • Exempt information in terms of Paragraph 14 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act 7 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) - Application for Grant of Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence • Exempt information in terms of Paragraph 14 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act 8 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) - Application for Grant of Taxi Driver’s Licence • Exempt information in terms of Paragraph 14 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act 9 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) - Application for Renewal of Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence No 764 • Exempt information in terms of Paragraph 14 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act 10 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) - Application for Renewal of Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence No 257 • Exempt information in terms of Paragraph 14 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act 2
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11 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) - Application for Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence • Exempt information in terms of Paragraph 14 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act 12 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) - Application for Grant of Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence • Exempt information in terms of Paragraph 14 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act For further information, please contact:- Clerk Name: Carol Lyon Clerk Telephone: 07385370065 Clerk Email: carol.lyon@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 3
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LICENSING COMMITTEE Minutes of the meeting held via Confero and in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 1 September 2026 Chair: Councillor Andy Carmichael Councillors Present: Councillor Margaret Cowie, Councillor Gladys Ferguson-Miller, Councillor Julia Marrs, Councillor Catherine McClymont (Depute), Councillor Kenny McCreary, Councillor David Shearer, Councillor Helen Toner Councillors’ Apologies: Councillor Maureen Devlin (ex officio), Councillor Mark McGeever Attending: Finance and Corporate Resources D Hamilton, Licensing and Registration Assistant; C Lyon, Administration Officer; D McLardy, Legal Services’ Adviser; L Steele, Licensing Standards and Development Officer/Assistant Registrar; L Wyllie, Administration Assistant Order of Business The Committee decided: that the items of business be dealt with in the order minuted below. 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 18 August 2026 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Committee decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 3 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 4 Exclusion of Press and Public The Committee decided: that, in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that it was likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information in terms of Paragraphs 6 and 14 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act. 2 5
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5 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) – Application for Grant of Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence A report dated 5 August 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on an application for the grant of a private hire car driver’s licence in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended). In terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended), the opportunity of a hearing had been offered to the applicant who was present and heard in support of his application. The Committee decided that the application by I Hussein, Flat 2/6, 27 Castlebay Drive, Glasgow for a private hire car driver’s licence in the Cambuslang and Rutherglen zone be granted. Councillor Cowie left the meeting after this item of business 6 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) - Consideration of Suspension or Revocation of Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence No 101 and Private Hire Car Operator’s Licence No 1038 A report dated 5 August 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted proposing that consideration be given to whether private hire car driver’s licence No 101 and private hire car operator’s licence No 1038 should be suspended or revoked in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended). In terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended), the opportunity of a hearing had been offered to the licence holder who was present and accompanied by P Kaur. A report had been received from the Council’s Authorised Officer under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended) and F Carroll, Authorised Officer was heard. Following discussion, Councillor Shearer, seconded by Councillor McCreary, moved that both licences be suspended with immediate effect for a period of 3 months. Councillor Carmichael, seconded by Councillor McClymont, moved as an amendment that both licences be suspended with immediate effect for a period of 6 months. On a vote being taken using the electronic voting system, 4 members voted for the motion and 3 for the amendment. The motion was declared carried. The Committee decided that private hire car driver’s licence No 101 and private hire car operator’s licence No 1038 in the Cambuslang and Rutherglen zone be suspended with immediate effect for a period of 3 months from today’s date. In terms of Standing Order No 14, the Chair adjourned the meeting after this item of business at 11.38am. The meeting reconvened at 11.44am 7 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) – Application for Grant of Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence A report dated 5 August 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on an application for the grant of a private hire car driver’s licence in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended). 6
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In terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended), the opportunity of a hearing had been offered to the applicant who was not present or represented. The Legal Services’ Adviser intimated that the applicant had made contact to advise that he was stuck in traffic and had not been able to arrive on time. Following discussion, Councillor McCreary, seconded by Councillor Shearer, moved that the application be dealt with in the applicant’s absence. Councillor McClymont, seconded by Councillor Marrs, moved as an amendment that the application be continued to the next meeting of this Committee on 22 September 2026, to allow the applicant the opportunity to be present. On a vote being taken using the electronic voting system, 3 members voted for the motion and 4 for the amendment, which was declared carried. The Committee decided that the application by R Soleimani, Flat 1/1, 366 Allison Street, Glasgow for a private hire car driver’s licence in the Cambuslang and Rutherglen zone be continued to the next meeting of this Committee on 22 September 2026, to allow the applicant the opportunity to be present. 8 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (As Amended) – Application for Grant of Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence A report dated 5 August 2026 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on an application for the grant of a private hire car driver’s licence in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended). In terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended), the opportunity of a hearing had been offered to the applicant who was present and accompanied by Pastor Tsigeyohans. The Committee decided that the application by H Zerihun, 44H Cumlodden Drive, Glasgow for a private hire car driver’s licence in the Cambuslang and Rutherglen zone be granted. 7
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Licensing Committee Date of Meeting: 22 September 2026 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Licensing of Taxis – Review of Taxi Fares 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] update the Committee on the taxi fares review in the Cambuslang and Rutherglen, Clydesdale, East Kilbride and Hamilton zones of South Lanarkshire, and seek Committee’s approval for the reviewed fares ] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) to note the contents of the report; (2) to note that there were no objections or representations received from the public consultation in respect of the Cambuslang and Rutherglen, East Kilbride and Hamilton zones of South Lanarkshire; (3) to note that one representation had been received in respect of the Clydesdale zone of South Lanarkshire as detailed in Appendix 2a to the report; (4) agree the proposals for the Hamilton and Cambuslang and Rutherglen zones of South Lanarkshire as detailed at per Appendix 1. (5) agree the proposals for the Clydesdale zone of South Lanarkshire as detailed at Appendix 2; and (6) agree the proposals for the East Kilbride zone of South Lanarkshire as detailed at Appendix 3. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. In terms of Section 17 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (as amended) Licensing Authorities must review taxi fares in their area at intervals not greater than every 18 months. 3.2. The Council has since its inception in 1996 adopted an approach to fixing taxi fares across four zones being Cambuslang and Rutherglen, Clydesdale, East Kilbride and Hamilton. This approach reflected the different arrangements within predecessor authorities and mirrors the areas by the 4 Licensing Boards. 3.3. The Council last fixed taxi fares on 12 August 2025. As members will be aware, even if there is no increase in the fares tariff, the formal review procedures still require to be followed. 3 9
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4. Present Position 4.1. At its meeting on 23 June 2026 Committees and forums > Licensing Committee this Committee considered consultation responses received by the Council at the initial stage of the fares review process. Having done so, the Committee agreed that, subject to conclusion of the statutory review process, the fares review for the Cambuslang and Rutherglen and Hamilton zones would take place on the basis that there would be no increase in the current tariffs. The current tariffs are shown in Appendix 1. 4.2. In respect of the Clydesdale zone the Committee agreed that the increase on the average 2 mile hire be increased by 50 pence rather than the requested 90 pence and a 3 pence increase for each period of one minute or part thereof for waiting time as detailed in Appendix 2. 4.3. In respect of the East Kilbride zone this Committee agreed to the proposed increases as detailed in Appendix 3. 4.4. The proposed fares reviews for the Cambuslang and Rutherglen, Clydesdale, East Kilbride and Hamilton zones were advertised in the press and on the Council’s website in accordance with the relevant legislative requirements. One representation was received during the consultation period in relation to the call-out charge within the Clydesdale zone tariff, a copy of which is attached at Appendix 2a. The representation concerned a charge that has been included within the Clydesdale tariff for many years and was not one of the proposed amendments forming part of the current fares review. The respondent was advised of this in writing. No other representations were received. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. There are no direct implications arising from this report. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. There are no direct implications arising from this report. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. There are no direct implications arising from this report. 8. Risk and Other Implications 8.1. If the fares review is not progressed the Council will be in breach of a statutory duty. 9. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 9.1. There is no requirement to carry out an impact assessment in terms of the proposals contained within this report. 9.2. Consultation with the taxi trade has been carried out to ascertain views on whether or not there should be an increase in taxi fares this year. Adverts were then placed in the press and on the Council’s website and social media outlining the proposals for each of the zones giving a period of one month to enable anyone to comment on or object to the proposed changes to the fares tariffs. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 12 August 2026 10
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Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Focused on people and their needs Previous References Licensing Committee, 23 June 2026 List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Margaret Mary Wilson, Legal Services Manager Ext: 4501 (Tel: 01698 454501) E-mail: margaretmary.wilson@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 11
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Appendix 1 Current Fares Tariffs Cambuslang and Rutherglen Zone Not exceeding 880 yards £4.40 for the next nine additional 293 yards or any part 30 pence thereafter each additional 264 yards or any part 20 pence (an average 2 mile hire of £7.10) Hamilton Zone Not exceeding 880 yards £3.80 For each additional 220 yards or any part thereof 20 pence (an average 2 mile hire of £6.20) 12
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Appendix 2 Current Fares Tariff showing proposals (Clydesdale Zone) Exclusive Hire means that a single fare is payable by any one passenger for the exclusive hire of a taxi or private hire car, whether or not more than one passenger is carried. HIRE of Taxi/Private Hire Car (fitted with a taxi meter) – Not exceeding one mile £3.50 (Proposed: £4.00) For EACH additional 88 yards or any part thereof 13 pence (An average 2 mile hire of £6.10) (Proposed: an average 2 mile hire of £6.60) WAITING TIME – 27 pence (Proposed: 30 pence) for each period of one minute or part thereof £16.20 per hour (Proposed: £18.00 per hour) SOILAGE CHARGE - the hirer will pay a soilage charge of £50 if the vehicle is soiled due to sickness caused by alcohol or drugs, any take-away spillage or any other fouling of the vehicle. It shall not be charged if the vehicle is soiled either due to a child being sick or due to genuine illness. CALLED BUT NOT USED CHARGE - when a taxi is called out but not used, a charge not exceeding the fare which would have been payable by the hirer in the event of the taxi being used, shall be payable. CALL OUT CHARGE - for hirings where a taxi is called to hirer’s home or other address a call out charge up to a maximum of £10 is payable. If such a call out charge is to be levied, the driver/operator must obtain the hirer’s agreement in advance. SURCHARGES (1) A surcharge of 1/3rd of the normal metered fare may be charged for each hire between midnight and 7am. For a journey commenced prior to 7 am the night time charge will apply until 7 am and thereafter the day time charge will apply. For a journey commenced prior to midnight the daytime rate will apply until midnight and thereafter the night time rate will apply. An additional 50 pence will be added to the flag mile for each Scottish bank holiday. (2) A surcharge of ½ of the normal metered fare may be charged for each hire from 10 pm on 24 December until midnight on 26 December and from 10 pm on 31 December until midnight on 2 January. (3) A surcharge of 15 pence may be charged for each passenger beyond 2. 13
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Appendix 2a Response received from local resident:- I read with interest the recent announcement on the review of taxi fares across South Lanarkshire and was astonished that there is a proposal for a £10 charge for a taxi to pick you up from your home (or other address). This fee only seems to be applicable in the Clydesdale area, I would question why this is the case, and why it is only for only this region. Residents in Clydesdale are a more remote population than other areas of South Lanarkshire and, due to a lack of local public transport, need to rely on taxi services for a range of situations. Why are they to be penalised by a hefty call out charge on top of the metered fare for their trip – and why do none of the other South Lanarkshire areas have a similar charge levied. How can you defend such a charge – a tax for rural living! I hope other residents have responded in a similar way and that this is taken on-board and removed from the proposals. It would also be easier and more open to responses if this was done as an online response as is the case with other consultations. Having to write this and then get to post office to buy a stamp (almost as expensive as a taxi) is more inconvenient. 14
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Appendix 3 Current Fares Tariff showing proposals (East Kilbride Zone) Exclusive Hire means that a single fare is payable by any one passenger for the exclusive hire of a taxi or private hire car, whether or not more than one passenger is carried. HIRE of Taxi/Private Hire Car (fitted with a taxi meter) – Not exceeding 880 yards £4.00 (Proposed: £4.30) thereafter followed by an immediate increment of £0.20 For the next six additional 146.7 yards or any part £0.20 For the next six additional 295.3 yards or any part £0.30 Thereafter each additional 117.3 yards or any part £0.10 (an average 2 mile hire of £7.20) (Proposed: an average 2 mile hire of £7.50) BEYOND THE AREA OF EAST KILBRIDE ZONE – may be subject to surcharge of 1/3rd of the normal metered fare. WAITING TIME – 25 pence for each period of 60 seconds or part thereof (£15 per hour). STOPPAGE(S) AT THE REQUEST OF HIRER – 20 pence for each period of 60 seconds or part thereof (£12 per hour). (Proposed: this should be removed as it is currently less than the waiting time figure and both are calculated in the same way) FARES BY TIME - subject to special agreement in advance with the hirer. NO FARE CHARGEABLE - for the vacant return journey of a taxi/private hire car from destination of the hirer. SOILAGE CHARGE - the hirer will pay a soilage charge of £50 if the vehicle is soiled due to sickness caused by alcohol or drugs, any take-away spillage or any other fouling of the vehicle. It shall not be charged if the vehicle is soiled either due to a child being sick or due to genuine illness. CALLED BUT NOT USED – when a hired car is called but not used - £3.60 (Proposed: £4.30) SURCHARGES (1) a surcharge of 80 pence may be charged for each hire begun between the hours of 10pm and 5am. A further surcharge of 40 pence may be charged for each hire begun between the hours of 10pm and 5am each Friday into Saturday and Saturday into Sunday. (2) a surcharge of 1/2 of the normal metered fare may be charged for each hire from 6am on 24th December until 5am on 27th December and from 6am on 31st December until midnight on 2nd January. (3) a surcharge, to be specially agreed in advance with the hirer, may be charged for 5 or more passengers hiring a people carrier type car. 15
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