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 or MIDAS mini bus test which we can arrange for the drivers of groups the cost of the test must be paid by the hiring group in advance. 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 (January 2024). 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.
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