Sheffield lifts suspension of Uber licence, but York refuses to renew

Sheffield City Council has lifted its suspension of ride-hailing app Uber’s operating licence after what it described as “productive discussions” with the company.

However, the gambling, licensing and regulatory committee of the City of York Council yesterday refused to renew Uber Brittania’s private hire operator’s licence.

A City of York spokesperson said: ““Applying the legislation, the committee has decided to refuse the application having concerns about a data breach currently under investigation and the number of complaints received.”

Sheffield announced the suspension of Uber’s operating licence on 29 November. However, it said today that the company had provided satisfactory replies to the questions asked by the council about its management.

A new application, made by Uber in October, to operate private hire cars in Sheffield is being considered and a decision will be made in early 2018.

Commenting on the City of York decision, Neil McGonigle, General Manager for Uber in York, said: “This is a disappointing vote for the riders and drivers who use our app in the city. More choice and competition is a good thing for both consumers and licensed drivers in the area. Passengers tell us they love being able to track their car on a live map, pay without cash and get a receipt with their fare and the route taken. Licensed drivers partner with us because with Uber they can choose if, when and where they drive. We will review the details of the decision once we receive the formal notice from the council.”

The company also pointed to the officers’ report prepared for yesterday’s meeting, which concluded: “In considering the information available about the operation of Uber Britannia Limited in York over the past year, there is no evidence before your Officers that indicates the applicant is not fit and proper to hold an Operator’s licence in York. Any decision must be substantiated, be within the confines of the legislation (see S.62 of the 1976 Act, and Wednesbury reasonable).”