Receiving a letter from your local council's licensing committee informing you that your application for a taxi or private hire licence has been refused, or that your existing licence has been suspended or revoked, is a deeply worrying moment. It is a decision that directly threatens your ability to earn a living. However, it is absolutely critical to understand that the committee's decision is not the final word. You have a legal right to challenge that decision through a formal appeal to an independent court.

This appeal process is your opportunity to have your case heard afresh by a judge. It is a powerful right, but it is also a formal and complex legal procedure that should never be undertaken without expert representation. Navigating the courtroom requires a completely different skill set from a committee hearing. At TMC Solicitors, our team is comprised of experienced court advocates. As specialist Taxi licensing solicitors, we guide professional drivers through every stage of the court appeal process, fighting to overturn unfair council decisions.

The Committee's Decision is In: What Happens Now?

The moment you receive the written notice of the council's decision, a strict and non-negotiable clock starts ticking. You have just 21 days from the date you were formally notified of the decision to lodge an appeal at your local Magistrates' Court. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to appeal altogether. This is why the single most important action you can take after receiving a negative decision is to seek immediate legal advice.

Step 1: Lodging the Appeal – Getting Your Foot in the Courtroom Door

The first practical step is to formally start the appeal. This involves drafting a legal notice, known as a "Complaint," which is then filed with the Magistrates' Court and officially served on the local council. This document sets out the grounds of your appeal and notifies the court and the council that you are formally challenging the decision. This is a crucial procedural step that must be done correctly by your Taxi licensing solicitors to ensure your appeal is valid.

Step 2: Building Your Case – The Power of Meticulous Preparation

The preparation for a court appeal is far more rigorous and detailed than for an initial committee hearing. Your solicitor will now build a comprehensive legal case from the ground up. This involves:

• Obtaining Full Disclosure:Requesting and scrutinising the full bundle of evidence that the council used to make their original decision.


• Preparing Witness Statements:Drafting formal, written witness statements for you and any other defence witnesses you may have. These statements will form the basis of your evidence in court.


• Gathering New Evidence:Proactively gathering new evidence to strengthen your case. This could include new character references, medical reports, or financial documents that support your arguments.

Step 3: The Court Hearing – Your Day Before the Judge

The court hearing is a formal and serious event. Unlike the licensing committee, you will be in a courtroom, and the case will be heard by a District Judge or a bench of legally trained Magistrates.

A Fresh Hearing: Crucially, the court will hear the case "de novo," which means "from new." The judge is not just reviewing whether the council's original decision was reasonable; they are hearing all the evidence afresh and making their own, brand-new decision. This gives you a full and fair opportunity to present your side of the story. The hearing will involve you and your witnesses giving evidence under oath, being cross-examined by the council's lawyer, and your solicitor making powerful legal arguments on your behalf. This is where having one of the expert Taxi licensing solicitors from TMC Solicitors becomes invaluable.

What Will the Court Consider? A Fresh Look at the 'Fit and Proper' Test

Ultimately, the judge will be making their own, independent assessment of whether you are a "fit and proper person" to hold a licence. Your solicitor's job is to present the evidence and legal arguments in a way that persuades the court that you meet this test. They will highlight your professionalism, your good character, and any mitigating circumstances surrounding the original issue, arguing that the council's decision to refuse or revoke your licence was the wrong one.

TMC Solicitors: Your Expert Courtroom Advocates

The courtroom is our territory. The team at TMC Solicitors are experienced and tenacious advocates, highly skilled in the specific procedures of Magistrates' Court appeals. We understand the legal arguments that persuade judges and know how to effectively challenge the evidence presented by the council's legal team. We are not just advisors; we are the powerful courtroom advocates you need in your corner.

A council committee's decision does not have to be the end of your career. Your right to an independent appeal is your most powerful protection. To ensure your case is prepared and presented with the highest level of legal skill, contact the specialist Taxi licensing solicitors at TMC Solicitors today.