Issue - meetings

Purpose:  To feedback on the statutory consultation in relation to the hackney carriage table of fares and to determine whether or not to modify the hackney carriage fare scale, following the Delegated Officer Decision on 8 September 2021, to vary the current fare scale by an increase of 5%, in light of the objection received (and not withdrawn) during the consultation period.

Resolved that:

·         The objection received during the statutory consultation had been considered and it was determined that no modifications would be made to the table of fares having taken account of the objection.

·         The table of fares would come into effect on 19 November 2021. 

This decision is not subject to call in as:

·      a delay in implementing the decision could compromise the Council's position.

therefore it will be implemented immediately.

Councillor Hilary Cole presented the report (Agenda item 7) which provided feedback on the statutory consultation in relation to the hackney carriage table of fares, and invited the Committee to determine whether or not to modify the hackney carriage fare scale (following the Delegated Officer Decision on 8 September 2021 to vary the current fare scale by an increase of 5%) in light of the objection received and not withdrawn during the consultation period.

Councillor Cole explained how the Delegated Officer Decision had been advertised, with the subsequent objection considered by the Licensing Committee at its meeting on 8 November 2021. Cllr Cole advised the Committee of her support for the recommendations of the Licensing Committee that the revised table of fares come into operation on the 19 November 2021 and noted that drivers have the option to increase fares by 5% should they choose to do so.

Councillor Richard Somner asked for clarification that the decision affected all taxi provision within the District. Councillor Cole responded that her understanding was that hackney carriages are vehicles that can be flagged down on the road whereas private hire taxis (are vehicles booked in advance. Councillor Graham Bridgman added that this was correct and that it applies only to hackney carriage vehicles.

Councillor Lee Dillon noted that this matter had already been considered and endorsed by the Licencing Committee, and stated the importance of recognising that it’s a maximum increase being proposed. Councillor Dillon referred to increased living costs and the need for fares to keep in line with inflation to ensure that drivers make a decent wage, and also the importance of supporting the taxi industry in the district. Councillor Cole indicated her agreement and expressed her gratitude to officers and the Licensing Committee for their work on this matter.

Councillor Graham Bridgman expressed his support of building positive relationships with the taxi trade across the District and stated that the new fare structure was much simpler to understand in comparison to the former tariffs, enabling it to be revisited more often (in conjunction with the trade) to keep account of inflation.

RESOLVED that:

a)    The objection received during the statutory consultation be considered and noted.

b)    No modifications be made to the table of fares at Appendix D having taken into account the objection.

c)    The 19 November 2021 be confirmed as the date that the table of fares, without modification, comes into effect.

Other options considered: Other options, such as not introducing an increase or varying the table of fares by circa 10%, have been considered at earlier stages in the process and rejected. However, the specifics of any modification now to the table of fares set at Appendix D, are for the Executive to determine, taking into account all the information referred to in the report and Appendices. The only decisions that can be taken now are as outlined in the report. There are no restrictions or limitations on when or how often the Council reviews the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47