Agenda item

Purpose: To consider proposals from the trade for modifications to the existing tariffs raised at the January 2023 Taxi Liaison Group and to comment on the proposed methodology and timescales for any ensuing consultation process.

The Committee considered the report (Agenda Item 6) concerning a request from the trade for modifications to the existing tariffs which were raised at the January 2023 Taxi Liaison Group. The Committee was asked to comment on the proposed methodology and timescales for any ensuing consultation process.

Ms Fraser introduced the item by stating that in line with the agreed procedures, an initial discussion with the trade about tariffs took place at the January Liaison Group meeting.

Ms Fraser explained that the trade proposed that they would like to see an increase linked to CPI, which was running at about 10.7% in November 2022. The trade also would like to see an uplift in the fouling charges. They also asked that Members consider amending the wording related to the applicability of tariffs to take into consideration journeys that spanned more than one tariff. The trade also stated that they would like to mandate the use of card facilities in the new policy and the introduction of time and calendar-controlled meters.

The Chairman highlighted that it was not the intention to begin a statutory consultation unless there was a full proposal from the trade and Ms Fraser explained that this was up to Members. However, this was what had been suggested at previous meetings including the January 2023 meeting. Councillor Bridgman noted that the fouling charge was proposed as a maximum and he wanted to understand how any issues between taxi drivers and the individual who had soiled the taxi would be resolved. He also wanted to understand what role West Berkshire Council would have, if any, in resolving these disputes. Councillor Bridgman also enquired if the Council was to get involved whether this would go through an Appeals Panel or a Licensing Sub-Committee. Councillor Bridgman did note that the Appeals Panel would give more flexibility as it allowed for four Members, instead of three. 

Councillor Barnett raised concerns over what constituted 'major' soiling, how the driver would identify the individual and how this would be investigated by a panel, as these factors could lead to a complicated investigation.

Councillor Graham Pask agreed that a dispute should go through a Licensing Sub-Committee and he supported the increase to the maximum fouling charge.

Councillor Bridgman re-iterated that he wanted to understand the role of the Council and what role it had if there was one, as, in the case of soiling charges, he was of the view that this was probably a civil matter.

Councillor Clive Hooker wanted to know whether the Scheme of Delegation would need to be amended to reflect responsibilities associated with disputes over fouling charges and the taxi policy more generally. Councillor Bridgman agreed that these changes would be needed. Ms Fraser stated that the Taxi Policy report would include recommendations around amendments to the Scheme of Delegation.

Ms Fraser stated that it was up to Council to determine where these matters would be determined, but it would make sense for the Licensing Sub-Committee to deal with the license issues. She would seek legal advice but it was likely that disputes around fouling charges would be a civil matter and would therefore sit between the taxi company and the individual.

Julia O’Brien agreed that it would be beneficial for the Council to look at what other Councils did and discuss the way forward with legal to set the criteria.

Ms O’Brien explained that Licensing were in the process of finalising the policy so the team could look into implementing this.

Councillor Bridgman believed that the licensing appeals process should be explored further.

In response to a question of clarification from Councillor Jeff Beck, Ms Fraser explained that passengers would be able to pay for their taxi using either debit or credit cards or other forms of electronic payment

Councillor Linden believed that the use of credit and debit cards was a good thing. The Councillor expressed that if there were no major changes, the consultation period should be shorter to allow for the introduction of the fees in time for April. It was noted that there were statutory requirements around the consultation timescales i.e. a minimum of 14 days.

Councillor Pask supported the implementation of card machines as long as there remained a cash payment option.

Councillor Hooker asked about the flag rate and whether the residents would be aware that the tariffs had been increased after the set fee and stressed that the trade should inform passengers when they got in to the vehicle. Councillor Bridgman replied that the flag rate had stayed the same (with increased increments), however, the distance of the flag rate had changed. It was noted that the wording around applicability on the tariff table would need to change to reflect that the tariff might change during the journey.

Councillor Bridgman sympathised with the trade but explained that it would be hard to bring these tariffs out before 1 April this year, as they would need to go through the Executive, making it difficult to finalise in time. The Councillor also emphasised how the Council's communications needed to guarantee all involved would be aware of the changes. Councillor Bridgman also stated that it was difficult to come forward with these tariffs without the proposal from the trade. Finally, the Councillor agreed that the calendar-controlled meters should be implemented, as well as the introduction of the cards, although there were several coverage issues in the district.

Councillor Barnett pointed out that not all businesses took every card and Councillor Pask suggested just mandating acceptance of Visa and MasterCard.

Councillor Marsh pointed out that most places accepted card payments and customers did not always carry cash.

The Committee RESOLVED to note the report.