Taxi Driver Online

It's revenue for someone, since £202 just left my bank account.

Don't see how an email or text reminder could hurt any council that much.

There are loads of legislation telling councils how to inform residents about their poll tax bills, but there is none to inform the likes of us about renewal dates.

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IDFIMH

final draft - will be sent in the next couple of days

I am writing to you directly as Chief Executive of Cumberland Council to raise serious concerns regarding the recent decision to discontinue the practice of sending reminder letters to licensed taxi drivers and proprietors about their renewal dates.

This change carries significant risks both to the public and to licensees. The licensing system exists to protect passengers and ensure that only properly vetted and compliant drivers are operating. Removing reminder letters increases the likelihood of inadvertent lapses in licensing, which could result in unlicensed operation, insurance complications, and ultimately public safety risks.

It is important to underline that custom and practice has long established the sending of renewal reminders. This has been a basic administrative function of the licensing department, funded entirely by licensees through their fees. To withdraw this service without consultation undermines trust and raises questions about the council’s commitment to its statutory duties.

I note that alternative communication methods such as text messages or emails do not appear to have been considered. Many licensees are of the older generation and not necessarily adept with modern technology. A reliance on digital-only communication would therefore exclude a significant proportion of drivers, creating unnecessary barriers and confusion.

I would therefore ask:

• What reasons were given for this decision, and how was it reached?
• Why was there no consultation with licensees or their representatives before implementation?
• What assessment was made of the risks to public safety and compliance?

If the rationale is cost-saving, then any savings made should be refunded via reduced licensing fees, since licensees fund the department in full. I request details of any projected or actual savings, and whether these have been ring-fenced.

Furthermore, I believe there is now a clear case for an independent audit of licensing costs, to ensure transparency and fairness for drivers and proprietors who shoulder the financial burden of the service.

I am contacting you directly because this decision affects not only administrative convenience but also the council’s wider duty to safeguard the public and maintain confidence in the licensing system. It is vital that senior leadership addresses these concerns and provides clarity.

I would be grateful for a full response to the points raised, including disclosure of the decision-making process, financial implications, and any plans to consult with licensees on alternative arrangements.

Yours sincerely,

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Good letter, but I needed to find my sunglasses before I could read something so lengthy in both bold and italics

It's no doubt a bit late now, but couldn't help thinking of one of the two articles on the recent Buckinghamshire annual licensing review. Which contained a bit about renewal reminders. Although I don't think it helps your case, because it's about automated reminders. But it does make the point about the value of reminders, in whatever format.

Not sure I really understood the point that the licensing review was making in terms of the proportion of applications being renewals and when they were submitted, but the point about the value of renewals was pretty obvious.


Funny thing is that it makes it sound like previously a shedload of renewal applications were being submitted after the expiry date - I wonder what happened to them?

thanks for that Stu

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin