I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 regarding Wokingham Borough Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.
My request relates specifically to the policy document published in November 2024, titled “Wokingham Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.” In Section 3.20, it states: “The council does not maintain a list of acceptable vehicles, but it is recommended… that prior to purchasing any vehicle, advice is sought from the Licensing Team.” I would like to request the following information:

1. The precise date on which the policy clause recommending or requiring that potential licence holders "seek advice from the Licensing Team" prior to vehicle purchase was first introduced into Wokingham Borough Council’s taxi licensing policy framework.

2. Copies of the minutes (and any associated reports) from the Appeals & Licensing Committee (or the relevant decision-making committee at the time) where this specific change to the policy was discussed, approved, and formally adopted.

3. Confirmation, supported by reference to the policy or guidance in effect immediately prior to this change, that before the introduction of this clause, the council’s official policy or standard advice did not actively encourage drivers to seek advice from the Licensing Team before purchasing or licensing a new vehicle.

To provide context for my request, I refer to the current policy statement (Clause 3.20) which now makes this recommendation. I am seeking to understand the timeline of this change and the council’s rationale for moving from a position where such advice was not formally encouraged to one where it is now a recommended step.

We have been advised by our Licensing and Processing Service Manager, that having reviewed your request, it appears there is a misunderstanding regarding the policy document to which you refer. For clarity, the policy updated by the Licensing and Appeals Committee in November 2024 was the Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003, which relates to alcohol, regulated entertainment and late night refreshment. It was not the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.

The Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy was most recently updated earlier in the year and was approved by the Licensing and Appeals Committee on 23 January 2024. The agenda and the adopted policy document for that meeting are available below: https://wokingham.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=144&MId=4604&Ver=4