Statement on proposed 24-hour strike by the Leeds Private Hire Drivers Organisation (LPHDO) on Monday 17 January

Leeds City Council deputy leader and executive member for resources Councillor Debra Coupar said:

“We have been made aware of the proposed strike action on Monday by the Leeds Private Hire Drivers Organisation (LPHDO). Our priority is to minimise the impact of this proposed action especially on vulnerable adults and children as much as we can, and to make sure everyone who may be affected is aware of the situation and any potential disruption, with solutions being identified where possible.  

“We would ask the Leeds Private Hire Drivers Organisation (LPHDO) to reconsider their planned action, and continue their dialogue with us over the proposed accumulation of minor motoring convictions criterion of the suitability policy in order to achieve a positive outcome for all parties.”  

Notes to editors:

All West Yorkshire and York councils ran a joint public consultation from November 2018 to January 2019 with proposals for a joint Suitability and Convictions Policy across the region. The results of that consultation were reported back to all councils with all councils adopting the policy during 2019/2020. The taxi and private hire licensing trade raised some concerns regarding the proposals for how minor motoring convictions would be considered, and councillors in Leeds agreed to pause the implementation of that part of the suitability policy to review the proposals and agree a further period of consultation.

A working group of councillors in Leeds heard representations from the trade and other stakeholders and considered revised proposals for minor motoring convictions which the licensing committee and executive board agreed to consult upon. The consultation ran from 22 October to 15 November 2021 and the council received 2,214 responses from the trade and public. The results of the consultation are currently being analysed and will be reported to the licensing committee and executive board for a decision.

Throughout the consultation, councillors have met with trade representatives to listen to their views and ensure they are kept informed of progress. The council is committed to consultation at all levels and will always be prepared to listen and reply to any areas of concern raised by the trade in a constructive manner.

ENDS

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