PUBLIC Document Pack - Licensing Committee - 7 October 2026
West Dunbartonshire Council · 7 October 2026
Back to Licensing Committee — 7 October 2026 and its agenda
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Official Meeting of the Licensing Committee Date: Wednesday, 7 October 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ Time: 14:00 ___________________________________________________________________ Venue: Civic Space, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton G82 1QL ___________________________________________________________________ Contact: Lynn Straker, Committee Officer Email: lynn.straker@west-dunbarton.gov.uk committee.admin@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Dear Member Please attend a Meeting of the Licensing Committee as detailed above. The business is shown on the attached agenda. Yours faithfully PETER HESSETT Chief Executive Page 1
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Official Distribution: Councillor Ian Dickson Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal (Vice Chair) Councillor Jonathan McColl Councillor John Millar Councillor Lawrence O’Neill (Chair) Councillor Chris Pollock Councillor Gordon Scanlan Councillor Hazel Sorrell All other Councillors for information. Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration Date Issued: 22 September 2026 Page 2
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Official MEETING OF LICENSING COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, 7 OCTOBER 2026 AGENDA 1 APOLOGIES 2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Members are invited to declare if they have an interest in any of the undernoted items of business on this agenda and, if so, state the reasons for such declarations. 3 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 5 - 7 Submit for approval, as a correct record, the Minute of meeting of Licensing Committee held on 5 August 2026. 4 OPEN FORUM The Committee is asked to note that no open forum questions have been submitted by members of the public. 5 HEARING REGARDING POSSIBLE SUSPENSION OR 9 - 17 REVOCATION OF A TAXI / PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER LICENCE Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider a request from the Civic Licensing Standards Officer for the review of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver's Licence held by Mr Gerard Divers. 6 APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A TAXI / PRIVATE HIRE 19 - 21 CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver's Licence for Mr Amer Hajali. 7/ Page 3
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Official 7 APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A TAXI / PRIVATE HIRE 23 - 24 CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver's Licence for Mr Gary McCallum. 8 APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A TEMPORARY TAXI / 25 - 26 PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for grant of a Temporary Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver's Licence for Mr Farhat Ullah. 9 PROPOSED CHANGE TO KNOWLEDGE TEST PROCEDURE FOR TAXI / PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER APPLICANTS Submit report by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration seeking approval from the Committee to change the procedure for Applicants when applying for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver's Licence. ____________________________________________________________ Page 4 27 - 31
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Unmarked LICENSING COMMITTEE At a Meeting of the Licensing Committee held in the Civic Space, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton, on Wednesday, 5 August 2026 at 2.01 p.m. Present: Councillors Ian Dickson, John Millar, Lawrence O’Neill, Chris Pollock, Gordon Scanlan and Hazel Sorell. Attending: Graeme Forrester, Manager of Democratic and Registration Services (Legal Officer); Robert Mackie, Senior Licensing Officer; Lawrence Knighton, Licensing Standards Officer; Inspector Morven Sutherland, Police Scotland; Louise Allan, Licensing Assistant; and Lynn Straker, Committee Officer. Also Attending: Aidan Cameron and Judi Jamieson, Building Standards Officers; Ms Agata Marczak, Applicant, and Ms Gillian Skimming, Objector. Apologies: Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillors Gurpreet Singh Johal and Jonathan McColl. Councillor Lawrence O’Neill in Chair DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST It was noted that there were no declarations of interest in the items of business on the agenda. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The Minutes of the Meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 3 June 2026 were submitted and approved as a correct record. OPEN FORUM The Committee noted that no Open Forum questions had been submitted by members of the public. ITEM 3 Page 5
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Unmarked APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A TAXI/PRIVATE HIRE CAR DRIVER’S LICENCE (CONTINUED) A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver's Licence for Mr Steven McGougan. Members first heard from the Legal Officer advising the applicant had been notified of the hearing but was not in attendance and had been absent from the previous two hearings to which they had been invited to attend, and that the Committee could competently determine the application in the absence of the applicant. After discussion, Members agreed to refuse the licence on the grounds that the applicant was not a fit and proper person to hold the licence. DECIDED: - Members agreed to refuse the Taxi / Private Hire Driver’s Licence on the grounds that the applicant was not a fit and proper person to hold the licence. APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF A SHORT TERM LET LICENCE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration requesting the Committee to consider an application for grant of a Short Term Let Licence at Flat 4, 174 Middleton Street, Alexandria G83 0BP. Members first heard from the Legal Officer in explanation of the application and then from the Building Standards Officers who provided detail of outstanding building standards requirements. Members then heard from Ms Skimming who spoke to her objection to the application, and subsequently from Police Scotland who advised that no recorded complaints had been receivedregarding the property . Members then heard from Ms Marczak of Value Up Ltd. who spoke to the application. After discussion and having heard the Applicant and the Objector in answer to Members’ questions, Councillor O’Neill, Chair, seconded by Councillor Dickson, moved a Motion to grant the licence recognising the requirement on the applicant to satisfy all Building Standards requirements before operating. Councillor Millar, seconded by Councillor Sorrell, moved to refuse the Licence on the grounds that information provided to the Committee about neighbours’ experiences of the current long-term lease of the property demonstrated that the property was not suitable to be used as a short term let. Page 6
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Unmarked On a roll call vote being taken, 2 Members voted for the amendment, namely Councillors Millar and Sorrell, and 4 Members voted for the motion, namely Councillors Dickson, O’Neill, Pollock, and Scanlan. The motion was accordingly declared carried. DECIDED: - It was decided to grant the Short Term Let licence recognising the requirement on the applicant to satisfy all Building Standards requirements before operating. The meeting closed at 2.58 p.m. Page 7
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Official WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration Licensing Committee - 7 October 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ Subject: Hearing regarding possible suspension or revocation of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver's Licence 1. Purpose 1.1 To consider a request from the Civic Licensing Standards Officer for the review of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver's Licence held by Mr. Gerard Divers, 11B Cowal View, Duncan Street, Clydebank G81 3DF. 2. Recommendations 2.1 The Committee are asked to consider the terms of this report and any evidence presented at the hearing and thereafter determine whether the licence should be suspended and, if so, the duration of the suspension and date of commencement thereof or alternatively revoke the licence. 3. Background 3.1 Mr Divers has held a Taxi Driver’s Licence for over 30 years. The Licensing Team have received a number of complaints in relation to Mr Divers’ conduct in the past 12 months. Notes on the complaints against Mr Divers can be found at Appendix 1. As a result of these complaints, Civic Licensing Standards Officers held a meeting with Mr Divers on Friday, 10 July 2026 to discuss his recent conduct. 3.2 At the meeting of 10 July 2026 the following complaints were put to Mr Divers; (i) On 10 June 2026, Mr Divers is alleged to have thrown coins, offered as a tip within the taxi, on to the street outside his vehicle; and (ii) on 15 May 2026, Mr Divers is alleged to have driven his vehicle in a manner which caused his passenger alarm and complained to the passenger about how little money he had made that day. 3.3 It was noted by Officers that Mr Divers did not deny that these events had taken place, and that he provided a version of events in relation to the complaints listed at 3.2. Accordingly, these complaints were upheld and ITEM 5 Page 9
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Official Officers advised Mr Divers that should any further complaints of a similar nature be received, a review of his Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence would be sought. 3.4 On Monday 7 September 2026, the Licensing Team received a voicemail message from a member of the public who stated that Mr Divers had thrown change out of the window in a manner similar to the complaint referred to at 3.2 (i) above. This complaint was corroborated by the account of a second passenger who travelled on this journey. 3.5 It is the view of the Licensing Standards Officer that these complaints demonstrate a breach of Taxi Driver's Licence Condition 23: 23. The driver of a Taxi, while plying for hire or carrying a passenger, shall be clean and tidy in his person and adhere to the Dress Code for Taxi/Private Hire Car Drivers approved by West Dunbartonshire Council. The driver of a Taxi shall conduct himself in a proper and civil manner. In accordance with the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005, smoking within a Taxi is prohibited at all times whether the driver is engaged in a hire or not. 3.6 Section 45H(3)(b) of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act authorises the Civic Licensing Standards Officer to refer a breach of condition without issuing a compliance notice if the Officer considers that it is appropriate for the breach to be referred to the authority without such a notice being given. 3.6 Several other complaints have been received from other road users which relate to the manner of Mr Divers’ driving. As these complaints relate to matters dealt with under Road Traffic Legislation, the complainers were advised to report these matters directly to Police Scotland. 3.7 The Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence currently held by Mr. Divers has an expiry date of 31 August 2027. 4. Main Issues 4.1 The Civic Licensing Standards Officer has requested that the Committee review the Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence held by Mr. Divers. 4.2 If the Committee are of the opinion that a suspension of the licence is merited, the procedure that should be observed is laid out in Paragraph 11 of Schedule 1 to the 1982 Act. 4.3 A licensing authority may, in these circumstances, order the suspension or revocation of a licence under Paragraph 11 if, in its opinion the holder of the licence is not, or is no longer, a fit and proper person to hold the licence and/or a condition of the licence has been contravened. Page 10
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Official 4.4 The period of suspension of a licence is the unexpired portion of the duration of the licence, or such shorter period as the licensing authority may fix. 4.5 Where a licensing authority decides to order the suspension or revocation of a licence, the suspension or revocation generally does not take effect until the expiry of the time within which the holder of the licence may appeal against the suspension or revocation (28 days from the date of the decision to suspend) or, if an appeal has been lodged, until the appeal has been abandoned or determined in favour of the suspension or revocation. However, if the licensing authority determines that the circumstances justify immediate suspension or revocation, it may order that the licence be suspended immediately. 4.6 A licensing authority must, before deciding to suspend or revoke a licence under Paragraph 11, give the holder of the licence and the Civic Licensing Standards Officer an opportunity of being heard. 4.7 The licence holder and the Civic Licensing Standards Officer have been invited to the meeting of the Committee on 7 October 2026 in order that a hearing may take place with regard to the possible suspension or revocation of the licence. 4.8 In considering whether to suspend or revoke a licence the licensing authority may have regard to any misconduct on the part of the licence holder which in the opinion of the authority has a bearing on his fitness to hold a licence. 4.9 The matters which the Committee will require to consider in relation to paragraph 4.1 above are as follows:- (a) whether the alleged misconduct has been established; (b) if the Committee is satisfied that the alleged misconduct has been established, whether, having regard to the misconduct on the part of the licence holder, this has a bearing on Mr Divers fitness to hold a licence; (c) if the Committee is of the opinion that Mr. Divers is no longer a fit and proper person or that a condition of the licence has been contravened, the Committee must consider whether his licence should be suspended or revoked; (d) if the Committee is satisfied that the licence should be suspended, the Committee must give Mr. Divers an opportunity of being heard on the length of the suspension and the date from which the suspension should commence; (e) the Committee must then consider what length of suspension is appropriate and whether the circumstances of the case justify immediate suspension; and Page 11
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Official (f) if the Committee is satisfied that circumstances of the case justify revocation, the Committee must consider whether the licence requires to be suspended with immediate effect. 5. People Implications 5.1 N/A 6. Financial and Procurement Implications 6.1 N/A 7. Risk Analysis 7.1 There is no increased risk to the Council associated with the contents of this report. 8. Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) 8.1 No impact assessment is required because this report does not involve any change to policies or services or financial decisions. 9.1 Consultation No consultation was required in the preparation of this report. 10. Strategic Assessment 10.1 In terms of the Council's Strategic Priorities, the purpose of licensing is to ensure our Communities are Resilient and Thriving. Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration 14 September 2026 Person to Contact: Peter Clyde, Licensing Standards Officer Municipal Buildings Dumbarton G82 1NR Tel. No. (Direct line) 01389 738741 Email: peter.clyde@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Page 12
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Official Appendices: Appendix 1 – Details of complaints received Appendix 2 – Memo from the Licensing Standards Officer requesting a review of Mr Divers’ Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence. Background Papers: 1. Mr Divers’ Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence. 3. Letter to Mr Divers dated 16 September 2026. Wards Affected: N/A Page 13
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Official Sensitive Appendix One: Recent Complaints relating to Mr Gerry Divers CBTD XX, CB111 Please see below a recent list of complaints received from members of the Public In relation to Mr Gerry Divers. 2026 15 May 2026 – SUMMARY - Hire from Clydebank Shopping Centre – Dumped passengers shopping on the Floor and slammed the taxi door. Mr Diver’s complained about only having made £20 despite having worked several hours. Also complained about the manner of his driving. Complainer account: I got in a taxi outside Asda Clydebank shopping centre. The driver was very rude and not very helpful to myself getting in or out the taxi. He drove away at high speed from the centre and was blaring his horn at other drivers at the roundabout at Argyle Road. He continued to speed along Livingstone Street zigzagging over the speed bumps. I don’t have his name or license plate other than 111 a silver hackney ! I’m not sure of the procedure you have dealing with this situation. How he never caused an accident is beyond me. I was very anxious the whole time I was in his taxi. In response to a request for further details the complainer continued: As soon as I got in his taxi I felt he was in a foul mood. He lifted my 3 heavy shopping bags and dumped them down on the taxi floor which thankfully nothing was broken. He slammed the taxi door shut before I even got seated. On arriving at my destination he lifted my shopping bags and just left them on the street ( other drivers kindly take my bags to my front door without being asked ) At this point I asked him if he was in a bad mood and he ranted in my face about the amount of hours he’d put in and had only made around £20 odd pounds. I replied, well there’s no need to take it out on me ! He made me feel really uncomfortable with his attitude and I was glad to get out of that taxi. I am 77 years of age and I feel this was no way to treat an elderly woman ! He slammed the taxi door shut again and drove off at high speed ! I will make sure I never get into his taxi again. A silver hackney cab. The only number I got was 111 He could have caused an accident with his reckless driving ! 10 June 2026 – Summary – Hire from Clydebank Shopping Centre Mr Divers is alleged to have reacted in relation to the value of the tip that the passenger gave him and thrown the tip on the ground outside the Taxi. ITEM 5 APPENDIX 1 Page 15
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Official Sensitive I am writing to lodge a formal complaint regarding the conduct of one of your licenced taxi drivers in clydebank, identified as Gerry Divers. The behaviour I experienced today was wholly unacceptable and fell far below the standards expected of a licensed driver. I travelled from the shopping centre in Clydebank to my home earlier today 10 June 2026. Upon arrival, I informed the driver that he could keep the change as a tip — something I routinely do, and which is always received courteously by other drivers. However, on this occasion, the driver reacted in an extremely unprofessional manner. - After I exited the vehicle, I observed him through the window throwing the change towards the back of the taxi. He then got out of the vehicle, approached the street near my gate, and deliberately threw the change onto the ground before driving away. This behaviour was disrespectful, unnecessary, and entirely inappropriate. Throughout the journey, the driver appeared irritated and disengaged, responding with one word answers and displaying a generally dismissive attitude. His driving was also below an acceptable standard, lacking the care and professionalism I am accustomed to from Clydebank taxi drivers, who are typically courteous, respectful, and reliable. Received 7.9.26 – SUMMARY – offered no assistance and threw the tip out of the window. Please note that the account provided below has been corroborated by the friend referred to. I am in a four-wheel zimmer, im 74. My friend who was helping me is 81. He had A bag and so did I. This Taxi Driver does not offer any help at all. Fare came to £5.90 I just put £6 up as he didn’t move or offer any help so as he is not obliged to help me, im not obliged to tip but he put the 10p up and he said “There’s 10p, you need it more that I do”. I said “no you keep it, if you’d offered to help you would have got £7” He went into a strop and threw the 10p out of the window. It was absolutely disgraceful. I always tip the driver, but this man, ive had it before. He will not offer one bit of help. Page 16
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Official Sensitive To the Clerk of the Licensing Committee Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 - Request for a review of the Taxi Driver’s Licence for Mr Gerry Divers, 11B Cowal View, Duncan Street, Clydebank G81 3DF Ref CBTD0012 Dear Sir, I write to you today to formally request a review of the above Taxi Drivers licence. It is my view that Mr Divers has breached the following Licence Condition: 23. The driver of a Taxi, while plying for hire or carrying a passenger, shall be clean and tidy in his person and adhere to the Dress Code for Taxi/Private Hire Car Drivers approved by West Dunbartonshire Council. The driver of a Taxi shall conduct himself in a proper and civil manner. In accordance with the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005, smoking within a Taxi is prohibited at all times whether the driver is engaged in a hire or not. The background to this request is that the Licensing Team has received several complaints in relation to the above drivers conduct. Mr Divers was interviewed by the Licensing Standards Officers on 10 July 2026 and informed that any future complaints would result in a request to review his licence. On Monday 7 September 2026 a further complaint was received. Accordingly, the Licensing Standards Officer requests under Section 45H 2(b) and 45H 3(b) that a hearing be convened to consider Mr Diver’s conduct, and that the Licensing Committee should consider whether Mr Divers remains a fit and proper person to hold a licence. Peter Clyde Licensing Standards Officer 17 September 2026 ITEM 5 APPENDIX 2 Page 17
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Licensing Committee – 7 October 2026 Subject: Application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence 1. Purpose 1.1 To consider an application for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Amer Hajali, Flat 3/1, 4 Trafalgar Street, Clydebank G81 4EB. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that Members determine the application, taking into account the representation submitted by the Chief Constable of Police Scotland and decide whether to dispense with the requirement for a criminal record check from his country of origin and one other country of residence which the applicant has lived in for more than 6 months. 3. Background 3.1 Mr Hajali submitted an application for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence to the Council on 13 July 2026. 3.2 A letter was received from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland on 3 September 2026 submitting a representation in connection with the application. 3.3 The Council regulates the licensing of Taxi and Private Hire Cars and Taxi and Private Hire Cars in terms of sections 10 and 13 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (“the Act”). 3.4 When determining applications the Council is required to make sure that a licence is not granted to a person who is not a “fit and proper” person so to give members of the public confidence that only suitable applicants are granted licences. 3.5 The Council consult with Police Scotland when processing an application for a Taxi and Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence. Police Scotland will have regard to an applicant’s criminal history when determining whether to make a representation or objection to an application. Police Scotland have no access to criminal records outside the UK. 3.6 Having regard to the fact that Police Scotland are unable to comment on an applicants’ criminal history outside the UK, it is the Council’s policy that:- “any applicant who was born outside the UK or has been resident outside the UK for 6 months or more must produce documentation in relation to criminal record checks when submitting the application form.” ITEM 6 Page 19
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3.7 This policy makes sure that all applicants, irrespective of their country of origin, are subject to a similar level of scrutiny regarding any criminal history they might have. 4. Main Issues 4.1 In view of the issue surrounding the lack of informatiosubmission received from the Police, the applicant and a representative of the Police authority have been invited to attend the meeting of the Committee to be held on 7 October 2026. 4.2 In terms of the relevant legislation, a representation with respect to an application should be submitted within 28 days of receipt of the application. As Mr.Hajali's application was received on 13 July 2026, any representation should have been submitted by 10 August 2026. There is, however, provision in the legislation for the Licensing Authority to entertain a late representation which has been received before a final decision has been made if the Licensing Authority is satisfied that there is sufficient reason why the representation had not been submitted in the time required. In this instance the reason for the late submission from the Chief Constable on 3 September 2026 was due to an internal administrative error as the application was not forwarded to Police Scotland for consultation until 26 August 2026. 4.3 Mr Hajali was born outside the United Kingdom however, he now resides here. 4.4 Since leaving Syria, Mr Hajali advises that he has also been resident for more than 6 months in Lebanon. 4.5 Mr Hajali has not complied with the Council’s policy as narrated at paragraph 3.6 of this report having not provided a criminal record check from his time living in Syria or Lebanon. Mr Hajali advises that he has been unable to do so. 4.6 The Committee will need to consider whether to dispense with the forementioned policy in relation to the period where Mr. Hajali resided in Syria and Lebanon so to allow Mr Hajali’s application to be considered. 4.7 If the Committee determine to grant a dispensation to the foregoing policy in these particular circumstances, Mr Hajali’s application will be subject to the statutory application process. 5. People Implications 5.1 There are no personnel issues. 6. Financial Implications 6.1 There are no financial implications 7. Risk Analysis Page 20
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7.1 There is no increased risk to the Council associated with the contents of this report. 8. Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) 8.1 No impact assessment is required because this report does not involve any change to policies or services or financial decisions. 9. Consultation 9.1 Police Scotland were consulted in relation to the application. 10. Strategic Assessment 10.1 In terms of the Council's Strategic Priorities, the purpose of licensing is to ensure our Communities are Resilient and Thriving. Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Date 7 September 2026 Person to Contact: Robert Mackie, Senior Officer (Licensing Section), Licensing Team, Municipal Buildings, College Street, Dumbarton, G82 1NR. Tel. No. (Direct line) 01389 738742. robert.mackie@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: N/A. Background Papers: 1. Application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Amer Hajali, Flat 3/1, 4 Trafalgar Street, Clydebank G81 4EB. 2. Letter to Mr Hajali dated 16 September 2026. Wards Affected: N/A. Page 21
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Official WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Licensing Committee – 7 October 2026 Subject: Application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence 1. Purpose 1.1 To consider an application for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Gary McCallum, 34 Cordale Avenue, Renton, Dumbarton G82 4QE. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the application be considered and determined by the Committee. 3. Background 3.1 Mr McCallum submitted an application for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence to the Council on 25 July 2026. 3.2 A letter was received from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland on 20 August 2026 submitting an objection in connection with the application. 3.3 A further letter was received from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland on 20 August 2026 detailing a number of convictions deemed as ‘protected’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. 4. Main Issues 4.1 In view of the submission received from the Police, the applicant and a representative of Police Scotland have been invited to attend the meeting of the Committee to be held on 7 October 2026. 4.2 The second letter received from Police Scotland contains details of matters that are considered ‘protected’ in terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. These details will only be submitted to Members of the Committee should they determine that justice cannot be done in this case except by admitting these details. 5. People Implications 5.1 There are no personnel issues. 6. Financial Implications ITEM 7 Page 23
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Official 6.1 There are no financial implications 7. Risk Analysis 7.1 There is no increased risk to the Council associated with the contents of this report. 8. Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) 8.1 No impact assessment is required because this report does not involve any change to policies or services or financial decisions. 9. Consultation 9.1 Police Scotland were consulted in relation to the application. 10. Strategic Assessment 10.1 In terms of the Council's Strategic Priorities, the purpose of licensing is to ensure our Communities are Resilient and Thriving. Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Date 27 August 2026 Person to Contact: Robert Mackie, Senior Officer (Licensing Section), Licensing Team, Municipal Buildings, College Street, Dumbarton, G82 1NR. Tel. No. (Direct line) 01389 738742. robert.mackie@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: N/A. Background Papers: 1. Application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Gary McCallum, 34 Cordale Avenue, Renton, Dumbarton G82 4QE. 2. Letters dated 20 August 2026 from the Chief Constable, Police Scotland, 'L' Divisional Headquarters, Stirling Road, Dumbarton. 3. Letter to Mr McCallum dated 16 September 2026. Wards Affected: N/A. Page 24
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Official WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Licensing Committee – 7 October 2026 Subject: Application for grant of a temporary Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence 1. Purpose 1.1 To consider an application for the grant of a temporary Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Farhat Ullah, 10C York Way, Renfrew PA4 0NL. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the application be considered and determined by the Committee. 3. Background 3.1 Mr Ullah submitted an application for the grant of a temporary Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence to the Council on 22 July 2026. 3.2 A letter was received from the Chief Constable of Police Scotland on 20 August 2026 submitting a comment in connection with the application. 3.3 Mr Ullah previously submitted an application for the grant of a temporary Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence to the Council on 23 March 2026. At a meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 22 April 2026, Members decided to refuse the application on the grounds that the applicant was not a fit and proper person to hold a temporary Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence. 3.4 The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 192 states that where a licensing authority have refused an application for the grant or renewal of a licence they shall not, within one year of the refusal, entertain a subsequent application from the same applicant for the grant of the same category of licence. This however does not apply to temporary licence applications. 4. Main Issues 4.1 In view of the submissions received from the Police, the applicant and a representative of Police Scotland have been invited to attend the meeting of the Committee to be held on 7 October 2026. 5. People Implications 5.1 There are no personnel issues. 6. Financial Implications ITEM 8 Page 25
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Official 6.1 There are no financial implications 7. Risk Analysis 7.1 There is no increased risk to the Council associated with the contents of this report. 8. 8.1 No impact assessment is required because this report does not involve any change to policies or services or financial decisions. 9. Consultation 9.1 Police Scotland were consulted in relation to the application. 10. Strategic Assessment 10.1 In terms of the Council's Strategic Priorities, the purpose of licensing is to ensure our Communities are Resilient and Thriving. Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Date 27 August 2026 Person to Contact: Robert Mackie, Senior Officer (Licensing Section), Licensing Team, Municipal Buildings, College Street, Dumbarton, G82 1NR. Tel. No. (Direct line) 01389 738742. robert.mackie@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: N/A. Background Papers: 1. Application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence submitted by Mr Farhat Ullah, 10C York Way, Renfrew PA4 0NL. 2. Letter dated 20 August 2026 from the Chief Constable, Police Scotland, 'L' Divisional Headquarters, Stirling Road, Dumbarton. 3. Letter to Mr Ullah dated 16 September 2026. Wards Affecte: N/A. Wards Affected: N/A Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) Page 26
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Official
WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL
Report by Chief Officer - Regulatory and Regeneration
Licensing Committee – 7 October 2026
Subject: Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982
Proposed change to Knowledge Test procedure for Taxi/Private
Hire Car Driver applicants
1. Purpose
1.1 To seek approval from the Committee to change the procedure for
applicant's when applying for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver's
Licence.
2. Recommendations
2.1 It is recommended that applications for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car
Driver's Licence be accepted prior to sitting the knowledge test. Members
are asked to consider the proposed options listed at 4.8 of the report.
3. Background
3.1 Section 13(5) of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 states:-
‘a licensing authority may require an applicant for a Taxi or Private Hire
Car Driver’s Licence to take a test of his or her knowledge of the area to
which the licence is to relate, of the roads in that area and such other
matters relating to the operating of a taxi or private hire car as the authority
considers desirable.’
3.2 At present, the practice in West Dunbartonshire has been that candidates
who wish to apply for the grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence
must pass such a test ("The Knowledge Test”) prior to an application being
accepted.
3.3 Prospective candidates advise Licensing staff that they wish to sit the Taxi/
Private Hire Car Driver knowledge test. Staff from Central Admin Support
(CAS) then arrange appointments to be carried out on stipulated dates and
times. The test comprises of a number of multiple-choice questions
covering:-
(a) The location of public buildings and landmarks
(b) The areas in which specific street names are located
(c) The shortest practicable route of a specified journey
(d) Highway Code
(e) Taxi /Private Hire Car Driver conditions
ITEM 9
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Official The knowledge test covers either the Clydebank zone or the Dumbarton & Vale of Leven zone dependent on the applicant’s choice. The pass mark for the test is set at 75%. 3.4 Once the candidates complete the knowledge test, the papers are scanned and forwarded to Licensing for marking. Candidates are then advised of the outcome of the test and successful applicants are free to submit the grant application. Currently candidates who fail the test can then go through the process again and resit the test at a future date and time as often as they wish. No fee is charged for sitting the knowledge test and at this stage in the process there are no checks carried out on the individuals concerned. 4. Main Issues 4.1 In recent years the number of candidates wishing to take the knowledge test has grown significantly. There is however an ongoing issue regarding the number of candidates who arrange to attend for the test but then do not show up and also the high number of candidates who are unsuccessful and require multiple resits. 4.2 So far in 2026, 132 knowledge tests have been carried out. Of these, 32 (25.8%) have failed to attend with the vast majority not providing any notification. 63 candidates (51.5%) were unsuccessful and 30 (22.7%) have passed. 4.3 Of the 30 successful candidates, 23 passed on their first attempt, 2 passed on their second attempt and 3 passed on their third attempt. One candidate took 6 attempts and one candidate passed on their seventh attempt. 4.4 Of the 63 candidates who failed the test and have not subsequently passed, 13 have sat the test on 1 occasion while the remainder have sat the test on multiple occasions. 4.5 The underlying issue appears to be the lack of preparation or local knowledge candidates have when sitting the knowledge test as many of the scores are well below the 75% pass mark. It is envisaged that requiring candidates to apply for the grant of the taxi/private hire car driver's licence before sitting the knowledge test will reduce the number of candidates who are attempting the test with no study preparation and remove the number of people who book in and fail to attend and therefore free up resources in both Licensing and CAS. 4.7 Enquiries have been made with neighbouring local authorities. Glasgow City Council appear to be the only other authority who insist on a knowledge test before an application can be accepted and they impose a £30.00 fee which is non-refundable and separate to the application fee. Page 28
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Official The following table summarises the response we have received to the benchmarking exercise where an applicant fails to pass the knowledge test after submitting an application. None of the following Local Authorities issue a refund where the applicant is unsuccessful. Local Authority Knowledge Test Attempts Outcome Angus Taken after application submitted Maximum 3 – no additional fee Referred to Committee for determination Dundee Taken after application submitted Unlimited attempts within 9 months – A fee of £20 is charged for the first attempt. Application deemed incompetent Renfrewshire Taken after application submitted Maximum 3 – no additional fee Referred to Committee for determination South Ayrshire Taken as part of an additional college course costing £170. Course must be passed within 6 months of the licence being issued Referred to Committee for determination South Lanarkshire Taken after application submitted Unlimited number of attempts within 6 months. Additional fee of £35.59 Refusal under delegated powers 4.8 Members may wish to consider the following options:- (a) Applicants have 3 attempts to pass the knowledge test. If they are unsuccessful the application is refused under delegated powers with no refund. (b) Applicants have 3 attempts to pass the knowledge test. If unsuccessful the application is referred to Committee with a recommendation for refusal and no refund. (c) Retain the current position of allowing unlimited numbers of knowledge tests. (d) Impose a charge for the knowledge test which must be paid in advance of accepting an application with the fee being separate to the application fee. 5. People Implications 5.1 The requirement for knowledge tests to be taken after an application has been submitted would free resources in both Licensing and CAS to allow staff to deal with other matters. Page 29
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Official 6. Financial Implications 6.1 There are no financial implications for the Council arising from this report. 7. Risk Analysis 7.1 There is no increased risk to the Council associated with the contents of this report. 8. Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) 8.1 EIA 994: The Council is permitted by the 1982 Act to test potential applicants for Taxi and Private Hire Car Driver Licences of their local knowledge. Such a test may be a barrier to some groups however these barriers can be overcome by reasonable adjustments in the sitting of the test. 9. Consultation 9.1 The 4 licensed Taxi/Private Hire Car Booking Offices were consulted seeking their view on requiring applicants to apply before sitting the knowledge test. Three responses were received all in favour of the proposal. 10. Strategic Assessment 10.1 In terms of the Council's Strategic Priorities, the purpose of licensing is to ensure our Communities are Resilient and Thriving. Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration 14 September 2026 Person to Contact: Robert Mackie Senior Officer (Licensing Services)gall Manager of Legal Services Legal Services Municipal Buildings College Street Dumbarton G82 1NR robert.mackie@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: N/A Page 30
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Official Background Papers: 1. Licensing Committee Report dated 2 August 2023 2. Scottish Government Guidance in relation to Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing (3rd Edition) Page 31