A TAXI driver had her licence renewed despite motoring offences.

On August 23, a meeting of the Taxi Licensing committee was held at Neuadd Maldwyn in Welshpool, behind closed doors to review the renewal of a Joint Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers’s Licence.

The applicant known as “YCS” was accompanied by a relative to the meeting which was chaired by Cllr Linda Corfield (Independent – Forden).

At the meeting YCS explained the circumstances surrounding the motoring and other offences recorded against her.

The sub-committee which included Cllrs David Selby (Liberal Democrat – Newtown Central) and Elwyn Vaughan (Plaid Cymru – Glantwymyn) received five references of the applicant’s good character.

The committee then decided that the applicant was a “fit and proper person” and was given a warning about further offences.

The Local Democracy Service has asked why all Taxi Licensing meeting are held in secret.

A spokesman for PCC explained: “The committee considers the applicant’s personal information and circumstances when considering applications or when reviewing an individual’s licence.

“This is confidential information so that is why the hearings are held in private session.”

Since January 1, 2017, 665 taxi licences have been issued by PCC with most licenses held by drivers in Montgomeryshire, then Breconshire and lastly Radnorshire.

According to information received by the Local Democracy Service by a Freedom of Information Request, all drivers go through a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check to find out if they have a criminal record.

Since January 2017, only one driver has lost their licence.

When asked what offences had been found using the DBS checks?

PCC said that the information is not kept once a committee meeting to consider the licence has taken place.