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Rhyl Journal
04-06-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Concerns over legal challenge after Denbighshire relaxes taxi rules
Councillors, though, were warned their decision could result in a legal challenge – if taxi companies catering to the able-bodied argued they should also be able to use older vehicles. Following a consultation with around 300 hackney carriage taxi drivers and private hire vehicle licence holders, the committee met today (Tuesday) to discuss relaxing the rules and instead introducing stricter vehicle testing. Under the old rules, all taxis over 12 years old had to be removed from the fleet. But following a vote, wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVS) will now instead be required to meet 'Euro 6 emissions standards' and undergo three compliance checks per year once they reach 12 years old. MORE NEWS: Rhyl children 'very upset' after 'unacceptable' stay at park near Prestatyn Councillor complaints to be discussed behind closed doors in Denbighshire Meliden teenager is a British boxing champion after winning gold medal The temporary change in the rules will stand until June 2026 when a review will assess whether WAV availability has improved – with the option of making the move permanent. Cllr Alan James proposed councillors backed the move. 'I actually think this is a good proposition,' he said. 'It will enable, possibly, the availability in the normal public arena for more disabled people to get out and about, so it isn't just about Denbighshire's view of the expense of school transport.' He added: 'So I think this is a good opportunity. We've got a proposal here. Let's see how it works in a year's time. 'We'll come back, evaluate any information we've got, and make some decisions.' But Cllr Gwyneth Ellis had legal concerns. 'I'd be interested in a legal opinion that if we change the requirements for these cars, could that open up a possibility that other operators will be able to say, 'Hang on, if those cars are safe enough for disabled people, then surely they are safe enough if people don't have a wheelchair?'' she said. Denbighshire Council's legal advisor Nashwan Fazlani responded: 'Invariably, whatever the decision the local authority is going to make, there is always going to be a legal risk. So it would be impossible to mitigate a legal risk with any decisions to zero; however, as a public body we have a public-sector equality duty, so if we don't, we get the risk from the wheelchair community, who might say we discriminated against them because we are making their life a bit more difficult in terms of access and taxis and other forms of transport for them to get around. 'So we are probably in a situation where you have to decide what's the least worst option in terms of legal risk.' Committee members at the meeting at the council's Ruthin County Hall HQ had heard how the county has only 14 WAVs available – six hackney carriages and eight private hire vehicles. Only a small number of these vehicles are available for school contracts, which led to concerns about availability and rising transport costs. The committee heard that while demand for wheelchair transport has remained relatively stable, supply has shrunk due to vehicle costs, insurance, and tight licensing regulations, leading to fewer bids for council contracts and less competition, driving up prices. Cllr Ellie Chard seconded Cllr James' proposal, and the vote was unanimous.
North Wales Live
03-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Council could face legal risk over relaxing rules for wheelchair-friendly taxis
Denbighshire Council's licensing committee voted in favour of relaxing age restrictions on wheelchair-friendly taxis in the hope of boosting availability for school transport. Councillors, though, were warned their decision could result in a legal challenge – if taxi companies catering to the able-bodied argued they should also be able to use older vehicles. Following a consultation with around 300 hackney carriage taxi drivers and private hire vehicle licence holders, the committee met today (Tuesday) to discuss relaxing the rules and instead introducing stricter vehicle testing. Under the old rules, all taxis over 12 years old had to be removed from the fleet. But following a vote, wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVS) will now instead be required to meet 'Euro 6 emissions standards' and undergo three compliance checks per year once they reach 12 years old. The temporary change in the rules will stand until June 2026 when a review will assess whether WAV availability has improved - with the option of making the move permanent. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox. Cllr Alan James proposed councillors backed the move. 'I actually think this is a good proposition,' he said. 'It will enable, possibly, the availability in the normal public arena for more disabled people to get out and about, so it isn't just about Denbighshire's view of the expense of school transport.' He added: 'So I think this is a good opportunity. We've got a proposal here. Let's see how it works in a year's time. We'll come back, evaluate any information we've got, and make some decisions.' But Cllr Gwyneth Ellis had legal concerns. 'I'd be interested in a legal opinion that if we change the requirements for these cars, could that open up a possibility that other operators will be able to say, 'Hang on, if those cars are safe enough for disabled people, then surely they are safe enough if people don't have a wheelchair?'' she said. Denbighshire Council's legal advisor Nashwan Fazlani responded: 'Invariably, whatever the decision the local authority is going to make, there is always going to be a legal risk. So it would be impossible to mitigate a legal risk with any decisions to zero; however, as a public body we have a public-sector equality duty, so if we don't, we get the risk from the wheelchair community, who might say we discriminated against them because we are making their life a bit more difficult in terms of access and taxis and other forms of transport for them to get around. So we are probably in a situation where you have to decide what's the least worst option in terms of legal risk.' Committee members at the meeting at the council's Ruthin County Hall HQ had heard how the county has only 14 WAVs available - six hackney carriages and eight private hire vehicles. Only a small number of these vehicles are available for school contracts, which led to concerns about availability and rising transport costs. The committee heard that while demand for wheelchair transport has remained relatively stable, supply has shrunk due to vehicle costs, insurance, and tight licensing regulations, leading to fewer bids for council contracts and less competition, driving up prices. Cllr Ellie Chard seconded Cllr James' proposal, and the vote was unanimous.
Wales Online
01-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Council leader appoints new cabinet member after leisure firm sale saga resignation
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Denbighshire Council's leader has appointed a new cabinet member for finance after the previous office holder resigned over the failed £1.5m sale of Denbighshire Leisure. Cllr Gwyneth Ellis resigned earlier this month from her position as lead member for finance, performance and strategic assets after disagreeing with the proposed sale of the council-owned Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL). The Plaid Cymru councillor said she had "serious concerns" about a lack of information about future growth, the shareholdings for staff, the loss of control of leisure services, and the privatisation of the company. The proposed sale fell through yesterday (Wednesday) when Liverpool-based investors River Capital pulled out of the deal – with DLL blaming councillors for leaking confidential documents. The council's Labour leader Cllr Jason McLellan has now appointed Cllr Ellis' replacement, with Plaid Cymru councillor Delyth Jones being appointed as the lead member for finance. Cllr Jones was elected to the council in 2022, representing the Denbigh and Caledfryn Henllan ward, and is the leader of the Plaid Cymru group. Sign up for the North Wales Live newslettersent twice daily to your inbox. Cllr McLellan said: 'I would like to welcome Cllr Delyth Jones to her new role on cabinet. I've worked closely with Delyth over recent years, and she is an accomplished and astute politician. She possesses excellent skills as a councillor and has a wealth of professional experience to bring to the role.' Speaking of her new role on the cabinet, Cllr Jones said: 'I am under no illusion that this will be an easy task as I am painfully aware of the continuing financially challenging climate within which we are all living. However, I believe that my experiences to date in my previous roles will provide me with the necessary skills to be able to listen attentively, to communicate clearly and to plan and prioritise work streams effectively and creatively across the whole of the council in order to maximise the quality and efficiency of our services to the benefit of our residents whilst also living within our means.' She added: 'I would also like to thank my predecessor Cllr Gwyneth Ellis for her strong leadership and sterling work under challenging circumstances. I now look forward to carrying the mantle forward by working alongside my fellow cabinet members and Denbighshire County Council officers in this shared endeavour.' The council says Cllr Jones' experience working in the housing management and the education sector mean she is ideal for the role in a "more challenging financial climate". Public notices in your area
North Wales Live
01-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Council leader appoints new cabinet member after leisure firm sale saga resignation
Denbighshire Council's leader has appointed a new cabinet member for finance after the previous office holder resigned over the failed £1.5m sale of Denbighshire Leisure. Cllr Gwyneth Ellis resigned earlier this month from her position as lead member for finance, performance and strategic assets after disagreeing with the proposed sale of the council-owned Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL). The Plaid Cymru councillor said she had "serious concerns" about a lack of information about future growth, the shareholdings for staff, the loss of control of leisure services, and the privatisation of the company. The proposed sale fell through yesterday (Wednesday) when Liverpool-based investors River Capital pulled out of the deal – with DLL blaming councillors for leaking confidential documents. The council's Labour leader Cllr Jason McLellan has now appointed Cllr Ellis' replacement, with Plaid Cymru councillor Delyth Jones being appointed as the lead member for finance. Cllr Jones was elected to the council in 2022, representing the Denbigh and Caledfryn Henllan ward, and is the leader of the Plaid Cymru group. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox. Cllr McLellan said: 'I would like to welcome Cllr Delyth Jones to her new role on cabinet. I've worked closely with Delyth over recent years, and she is an accomplished and astute politician. She possesses excellent skills as a councillor and has a wealth of professional experience to bring to the role.' Speaking of her new role on the cabinet, Cllr Jones said: 'I am under no illusion that this will be an easy task as I am painfully aware of the continuing financially challenging climate within which we are all living. However, I believe that my experiences to date in my previous roles will provide me with the necessary skills to be able to listen attentively, to communicate clearly and to plan and prioritise work streams effectively and creatively across the whole of the council in order to maximise the quality and efficiency of our services to the benefit of our residents whilst also living within our means.' She added: 'I would also like to thank my predecessor Cllr Gwyneth Ellis for her strong leadership and sterling work under challenging circumstances. I now look forward to carrying the mantle forward by working alongside my fellow cabinet members and Denbighshire County Council officers in this shared endeavour.' The council says Cllr Jones' experience working in the housing management and the education sector mean she is ideal for the role in a "more challenging financial climate". Public notices in your area
