Latest news with #KirkHarrison
BBC News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
North Northamptonshire's taxi 'knowledge' policy changes delay
The introduction of a wider local "knowledge" test in part of Northamptonshire that taxi drivers warn could force them out of the profession has been Northamptonshire Council approved the changes, which included the scrapping of four taxi zones to create one covering the whole of the district, in implementation had already been delayed from April to September, but the Reform UK-controlled authority said it was now working towards a revised start date of 3 Harrison, the council's executive member for regulatory services, said he wanted to provide the update as "we know that this topic has been a talking point within the industry for some time". As part of this, the council has started a consultation on its proposed "knowledge" test for drivers, similar to the famous one in London, where black cab drivers have to learn the names of all streets and best routes between new test would mean drivers would have to learn the streets in the whole of North Northamptonshire rather than choose a smaller area, based on the old district council follows the scrapping the four district councils of Wellingborough, Kettering, Corby and East Northamptonshire to form North Northamptonshire Council in a meeting earlier this year, when the changes were approved, taxi drivers claimed a new enlarged taxi zone would be unworkable because they would struggle to learn all the were also concerns raised about the need to transition to cars that were accessible for wheelchair-users by 2026, which is also included in the now-delayed policies. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Another Conservative councillor moves to Reform UK
Another member of North Northamptonshire Council has joined Reform UK. Kirk Harrison, the member for Irthlingborough, has defected from the Conservative Party. He becomes Reform's third member on the council. "I firmly believe that Britain needs real change and that Reform UK is best placed to deliver it," Harrison said. In a statement, he added: "This decision was not taken lightly... I remain committed to serving my constituents and will continue to work hard on their behalf, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed." In December, Ken Harrington, the member for Hatton Park in Wellingborough, joined Reform from the Conservatives while Irchester's Martin Griffiths – who was previously an independent – also joined the party. Council leader Jason Smithers said he respected Harrison's decision, but "it underscores the importance of consistent alignment with the core principles that define our Conservative values". He added: "We recognise that individuals may reassess their political affiliations, and we extend our best wishes to Kirk for his future endeavours." Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Two Northamptonshire councillors join Reform UK Ex-Tory councillors form new group on council North Northamptonshire Council
