Redditch licensing officers granted powers to fast-track driver vehicle age exemptions

Redditch Borough Council is continuing to delegate certain licensing decisions to officers following a successful trial aimed at reducing delays and improving efficiency for taxi and private hire vehicle owners.

Since August 2024, licensing officers at Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) have been authorised to approve or refuse vehicle licence applications that fall outside the council’s standard age policy. This includes decisions on whether vehicles over the council’s usual age limit can still be licensed.

The move, designed to cut down on resource-heavy Licensing Sub-Committee hearings, has proven effective. In the 12-month trial, 32 vehicles were assessed under the delegated process. Officers granted 28 licences and refused four, based on strict inspections and criteria.

Vehicles were reviewed by both licensing officers and a qualified mechanic at the council’s approved testing centre. The process has resulted in noticeable improvements in the condition of vehicles presented, with officers reporting better cleanliness and maintenance from drivers.

Feedback from licence holders has also been generally positive, with many welcoming the quicker turnaround time and more convenient scheduling compared to attending a sub-committee hearing.

At the July committee meeting, councillors voted to carry out a six-week consultation with local stakeholders. The aim is to determine whether the delegated decision-making powers should be made permanent.

Join us on WhatsApp here

Officers confirmed that several other Worcestershire authorities, including Worcester City, Wyre Forest and Malvern Hills, already operate similar delegated systems.

The council’s licensing team stressed that decisions are backed by a clear audit trail and that vehicles refused under the new process still have a right to appeal.

Should consultation support the approach, permanent delegation will be considered at a future committee meeting.