Understand
Gender splits revealed in Highland Council licensing committee voting records
Overview
An analysis of Highland Council licensing committee voting records reveals a striking gender split following a controversial decision to allow a convicted rapist to retain his taxi operator's licences. All four female councillors on the committee voted to revoke the licences, while six male councillors voted against the action. BBC Scotland analysis indicates this was not an isolated incident, showing similar voting divisions in previous contested licensing cases. While female councillors and critics suggest unconscious bias may play a role, male councillors have defended their decisions, citing reasons such as compassion for the offender's family, and denied allegations of misogyny. The fallout has led to an agreed independent external review of the committee's culture, governance, and accountability.
Key points
- All four female councillors on the Highland Council licensing committee voted to revoke the taxi operator's licences of convicted rapist David Brown in June, while six male councillors voted against the move.
- BBC Scotland analysis of 29 contested licensing decisions since 2022 found that female councillors consistently voted together for punitive action in 22 cases, being outvoted by male colleagues in 12 of them.
- Female councillors suggested that unconscious bias and low attendance at optional training on violence against women and girls may have influenced decision-making.
- Male councillors denied misogyny, with some explaining their votes were influenced by a desire to avoid extra hardship for the offender's family rather than strictly adhering to the legal fit and proper person test.
- Five councillors faced a motion of no confidence following the Brown decision, which was passed by a margin of 45-6.
- The council has agreed to commission an independent external review to examine the licensing committee's culture, governance, and accountability.