Private Hire Drivers in Glasgow Warned About License Application Rejections

The Scottish Private Hire Association (SPHA) has issued an urgent warning to private hire drivers in Glasgow after nearly £130,000 in license application fees were rejected by the Glasgow City Council (GCC) due to the city’s overprovision policy. Drivers are being urged to avoid wasting money on applications that are almost certain to be declined.

Overprovision Policy and Rejected Applications

Glasgow City Council has a cap of 3,450 private hire licenses, known as the Overprovision Policy. This limit was reached in May 2024. Since then, any further applications have been presumed invalid unless there is evidence to suggest otherwise.

Figures obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request reveal that between January 1 and November 1, 2024, GCC rejected 389 private hire license applications. Of these, 283 were directly attributed to the overprovision limit.

Comments:

• Drivers paid £128,845 in fees for applications that were later refused.

SPHA's Warning to Private Hire Drivers

Neil Scoffield, Glasgow Convenor of SPHA, commented:

“We run a WhatsApp group and social media pages that clearly state ‘do not apply, it’s almost a certainty you will not be approved’.”

Drivers are encouraged to contact the SPHA before submitting applications to avoid unnecessary expenses. Scoffield emphasized that GCC is following the law and is not profiting from rejected applications.

Limited Opportunities for New Licenses

Although the overprovision policy remains in effect, there are rare instances where licenses become available. These opportunities arise when drivers leave the trade or surrender their plates.

Neil Scoffield explained:

“So there are limited cases where plates become available, but we’re talking one or two a month, not 50 or 100.”

Comments:

• SPHA advises drivers to “keep their money in their pockets” as the chances of approval are extremely low.

Financial and Legal Implications

The Civic Government Act governs GCC's licensing authority, requiring them to process all applications received. Even if they anticipate rejection, they cannot refuse applications outright.

Comments:

• Funds collected from rejected applications are used solely to support licensing operations.
• The council does not make a profit from these fees.

Future of Glasgow’s Overprovision Policy

The Overprovision Policy is set to be reviewed in June 2025. This review may lead to changes in the cap, but Scoffield warned drivers not to assume this guarantees approvals.

Neil Scoffield added:

“Even if the number goes up, it’s still a gamble because there will be thousands of applications going in.”

The review was originally scheduled for 2024 but was delayed due to the Low Emission Zone changes and the pandemic.

Broader Context and Market Impact

Glasgow’s policy is currently unique within the UK but is gaining traction in other cities. The SPHA supports the cap as it ensures market balance, allowing drivers to maintain sustainable working hours and earnings.

Comments:

• A flooded market would force drivers to work longer hours for less income.
• The SPHA balloted its members, who overwhelmingly support maintaining the cap.

Public Consultation and Potential Changes

Glasgow City Council plans to initiate a public consultation in 2025 to reassess the appropriateness of the cap.

Councillor Alex Wilson, Chair of the Licensing Committee, commented:

“The primary purpose of licensing is to serve the needs and protect the well-being of the public.”

Wilson emphasized the importance of adapting to changes in the city center and the private hire trade. He added:

“The availability of safe and licensed cabs at night is a key part of that. Both the city center and the taxi and private hire trade have undergone significant change over recent years, and it’s my view that it’s time for a conversation on whether the overprovision caps for taxis and private hire cars are still required.”

Comments:

• Public input will determine if the cap should be adjusted or removed entirely.
• Drivers are encouraged to stay informed through SPHA updates.