[2025] UKUT 112 (AAC)

Mr Happi accepts that he had read the guidance notes (GV79) before completing his application. He did not provide the information requested by the OTC within the time frames set out in the two letters sent by the OTC. He averred that the difficulty was that he had applied for a letter from the Insolvency Service and had not appreciated that the letter would not be sufficient and that a certificate of discharge was required. All he had wanted was more time to obtain the certificate of discharge although he had not asked for more time when it was evident to him that he would not receive the certificate before the second deadline of 8^th October 2024. He delayed filing the signed transport manager declaration so that he could file both the certificate of discharge and the signed declaration at the same time. He was truly sorry for the delay. He accepted that the TC/OTC had not made any errors in the processing of the company’s application. He asked the Tribunal to give him a chance if possible. He had served in the armed forces for six years and had a family which he must provide for. This was his first attempt to operate a transport company and the cost of the application was significant. If he were to obtain an operator’s licence, it would provide employment for him and other veterans.