Taxi licence refusal overturned but applicant awarded only partial costs due to conduct

The High Court determines the issue of costs in proceedings in which it had previously ordered the quashing of a decision to refuse a taxi licence to the applicant. The court ruled that the applicant would recover only 50% of his costs due to a lack of proper engagement with the licensing process and a misguided approach to engagement with the licensing authority. The court found that while the applicant was successful in obtaining relief, he was not entirely successful as he failed on the fundamental premise of his case. The court emphasised that the applicant's conduct prior to the proceedings, which was criticised in the judgment, was a significant factor in the decision to reduce the costs awarded. Additionally, the court ordered that the application for a taxi licence be remitted for fresh consideration before a different decision-maker.