What's happened
A Highland taxi driver convicted of rape has sparked a licensing row after councillors voted to retain his operator’s licence. The council plans a public meeting following backlash from victims’ groups and calls for transparency.
What's behind the headline?
What this means for public safety and local governance
- The case has exposed tensions between licensing decisions and public safety.
- The council’s handling has drawn criticism from rape charities and victims’ groups, pressuring transparency.
- Possible reforms could curb private licensing hearings and require public oversight.
- This will likely influence future licensing hearings and provoke debate about safeguarding in local government.
Key questions
- Will the council publish its deliberations and the evidence considered?
- Are there structural changes to ensure handling of similar cases will protect the public?
- How will this affect public trust in local officials?
How we got here
David Brown, 50, was jailed for six years and nine months in May for raping an 18-year-old passenger in December 2023. His operator’s licence was kept under review after his crime, with a public backlash leading to resignations and suspensions on Highland Council’s licensing committee. A follow-up meeting was planned to decide whether to revoke or retain licences.
Our analysis
BBC Business reports that the council’s licensing committee previously voted to take no action on Brown’s licences, prompting resignations and scrutiny. The Scotsman echoes concerns about transparency and public safety, with statements from Highland Council convener Bill Lobban and Lib Dem MSP Andrew Baxter. Both outlets highlight ongoing debates over licensing practices and accountability.
Go deeper
- What changes will Highland Council implement to increase transparency?
- Will there be further public assessments of taxi licensing rules in Scotland?
- How are victims’ groups being engaged in shaping policy?
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