Posted on the 17th December 2025 in PHTM News

LICENSING ROW ERUPTS AS REFORM COUNCILLOR FACES BACKLASH OVER BASSETLAW DANGEROUS CABBIE CLAIMS

A political firestorm has broken out in Bassetlaw as Reform UK Councillor Fraser McFarland faces demands for an apology after labelling certain local taxi drivers as individuals with "dangerous criminal histories."

The controversy follows data revealed by Bassetlaw District Council in September 2024, showing that over the past decade, 12 private hire licences were granted to individuals with convictions for violent offences, and one for a sexual offence.

Recent updates confirmed an additional two licences were granted to applicants with convictions within the last 12 months.

Councillor McFarland, leader of the opposition for the Reform group, has used the figures to demand a full review of the licensing system.

In a scathing assessment of the findings, he stated: "That means at least 15 people with dangerous criminal histories have been approved to carry passengers across our district. Let me be clear. This is unacceptable. It is unsafe. And it cannot continue."

McFarland argued that residents should not have to worry about a driver's history of "violence or sexual offending," describing the current situation as a "serious failure of oversight and judgement."

Bassetlaw District Council has moved quickly to defend its vetting process, noting that of the 15 licences questioned, only five remain active. The authority clarified that these historical convictions occurred between 10 and 33 years ago.

Under current policy, the council maintains that no licence is granted to anyone with a sexual offence conviction, nor to those with serious violent offences within the last 10 years.

A council spokesperson rebuked McFarland, stating: "It is important that Councillor McFarland's comments do not undermine the wider taxi industry in Bassetlaw and cast any doubt over the legitimacy of all taxi drivers... especially during what will be one of their busiest times of the year."

The row has drawn in Bassetlaw’s Labour MP, Jo White, who characterised McFarland’s remarks as a "disgrace." 

In a letter to local firms, White defended the workforce, stating: "I know that local taxi firms carefully consider who they employ and they would never allow someone to work for them who presents a risk to the public."

The council further reassured the public that all 142 active drivers undergo "rigorous and stringent" application processes, including Enhanced DBS checks and mandatory safeguarding training, noting there have been no police complaints regarding the drivers in question.

Councillor McFarland has since made the following statement on his Facebook page: "I will not apologise, regardless of pressure from Cllr Jo White MP. I will continue to call out failings at Bassetlaw District Council and will always prioritise the safety of women and children."


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