We are able to offer our four vehicles for community hire to approved community groups when they are not operating on the Ring & Ride service. We have to ensure that any group making a booking is Devon County Council approved (has completed the relevant paperwork) and that the driver to be engaged on the community hire satisfies the County Council requirements.
- Passenger clubs registered with IDCTA, can arrange for a Community Hire of the bus under our Section 19 Permit and we will provide the driver.
- Other groups, e.g. Scouts, youth groups etc. providing their own driver will have to hold their own Section 19 Permit allowing them to use the vehicle for a ‘Not for Profit’ use and have passed the DCC Minibus test. In addition, if the wheelchair lift will be used, training must be given, for which a charge will be made.
The government has issued guidelines regarding the issue of Section 19 permits. They will consider applications from organisations operating without a view to profit, and who are set up to provide community activities in the following areas:
- education
- religion
- social welfare
- recreation (standard permits only)
- other activities of benefit to the community
Those applying for a Section 19 permit must satisfy the issuing body that the transport services aren’t run with a view to profit, nor incidentally to an activity which is itself carried on with a view to profit.
Organizations that are registered as charities usually qualify.
A Standard Section 19 Permit for a vehicle up to 16 seats costs £11 (June 2016). An application form for standard permit is available from:
To arrange a Community Hire or discuss the possibility of a Community Hire, contact our Co-ordinator on 01752 690444.
