Agenda item

Purpose: To review the current hackney carriage fare scale, agree options and outline the consultation process that will be undertaken on these options if Members are minded to amend them.

The Chairman noted that the process had gone on for some time and through numerous iterations, asked that the new tariffs be simpler, and thanked the work of officers.

Councillor Graham Bridgman presented a report (Agenda Item 6) seeking to review the current Hackney Carriage fare scale, agree options and outline the consultation process that will be undertaken on these options if Members were minded to amend them. Councillor Bridgman noted that in 2016, the trade asked for an increase in taxi fares, and when the Committee looked at the tariffs it became apparent that Tariff 2 consisted of different distances and times than the other two for inexplicable reasons. Councillor Bridgman proposed that tariffs be based off one tenth of a mile, instead of the existing one twelfth, which found favour with the trade. It was additionally discussed whether three tariffs were necessary or whether there could be two, and the trade agreed to two (normal days and other). Additionally, that the tariffs be linked by a proportionate formula.

An interactive spreadsheet was distributed to canvass responses from the taxi trade, and three proposals were received for Tariff 1 and 2, with virtually 0%, 5% and 10% increases, of which the trade preferred 5% as the increase was necessary due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Councillor Bridgman proposed consulting on the latter two. The response was for a different distance rate, and much higher tariff increases, which Councillor Bridgman does not support. Councillor Bridgman suggested presenting the two tariffs with an explanation that it was to their understanding what the taxi trade wanted considering the Covid-19 pandemic.

Beth Varcoe noted that the consultation with the taxi trade was not publicly available, to which Councillor Bridgman responded that as the proposal from the consultation is to be effectively rejected, that this be made clear.

Councillor Graham Pask agreed with the need for simplicity, and asks why representatives of the taxi trade are not making proposals, and asks for them to be consistent rather than allow any driver to make suggestions. Councillor Phil Barnett additionally agreed with Councillor Bridgman’s clear and simple approach, and understands his frustration with the additional suggestions that have been made, and that he will support his approach. Councillor Tony Linden noted in response that the licensing trade used to be more representative, but has become more fragmented and that achieving consensus will be difficult.

Councillor Bridgman amended his proposal, and proposed that rather than take both proposals to public consultation that the taxi trade are asked whether they would want a 5% or 10% increase, and that proposal be taken to formal consultation.

Councillor Claire Rowles noted that the two week consultation period is rather tight. Moira Fraser responds that this was set out in statute, and Councillor Bridgman notes that the trade consultation and public consultation are different things.

Councillor Rowles additionally asked whether Recommendation 8 would mean that the maximum would come into effect before consultation. Moira Fraser raised to the Chairman that those dates would need to be amended to reflect the addition of a consultation with the trade.

The Chairman noted that, due to the different levels of engagement and difference of opinion among the trade, any proposal brought forward to them in a consultation would need to have a comprehensive explanation behind it.

Councillor Bridgman proposes amending the decision to add another clause after Recommendation 1, setting out the proposed 5% and 10% increase options, and depending on their response, the Chairman decides which proposal to send to public consultation.

In an indicative vote, Councillors Adrian Abbs, Jeff Beck and David Marsh responded in support of the proposal.

Moira Fraser raised the move of unsociable hours in Tariff 1 from 10 PM to 11 PM. Councillor Graham Bridgman proposes rolling that into the consultation with the taxi trade, which is approved.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Committee NOTED the existing tariffs.

2.    That the Committee CONSIDERED the options as set out in paragraph 4.12 and Appendix B and agreed which, if any, of the proposals should be consulted on.

3.    That the Committee CONSIDERED whether the timings associated with Tariff 1, which were currently set at 06:00 to 22:00 Monday to Saturday other than bank holidays, public holidays, Christmas and Boxing Days, should be amended to 06:00 to 23:00 Monday to Saturday other than bank holidays, public holidays, Christmas and Boxing Days.

4.    That the Committee CONSIDERED how many tariffs were needed and whether or not it would be appropriate to remove tariff 3.

Members were minded to consult on any changes:

5.    That the Committee AGREED that a copy of the notice should be placed in the Newbury Weekly News, the Reading Chronicle, on the Council’s website and on display at the Market Street Council Offices.

6.    That the Committee AGREED that a copy of the notice should be emailed to the trade.

7.    That the Committee AGREED that the consultation should run from the 1 July 2021 to 15 July 2021.

8.    That the Committee AGREED that if no objections to the changes were received the revised maximum fares would come into effect from 1 August 2021. Page 67

9.    That the Committee AGREED that if objections were received and not withdrawn a Special Licensing Committee meeting would be convened to consider the objections and agree a way forward.