Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors E Allman, D Everitt, M French, J Hoult, R Morris and A C Saffell.

Under the Code of Conduct members are reminded that in declaring disclosable interests you should make clear the nature of that interest and whether it is pecuniary or non-pecuniary.

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 15 December 2022 .

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 15 December 2021.

It was moved by Councillor J Hoult, seconded by Councillor S Sheahan          and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 December 2021 be agreed as a correct record.

The Environmental Health Team Manager presented the report to Members.

A Member referred to the critical comments received as part of the consultation, particularly the final comment at appendix 2.  The Environmental Health Team Manager explained that the comments were taken directly from response emails.  In relation to the highlighted comment, Members were informed that contact had been made with the individual to explain the decision-making process and that the report would be considered at this evening’s committee meeting.

A comment was made on the lack of reference to the impact of cost of living increases as well as vehicle maintenance and fuel.  It was noted that the cost of fuel had remained high over the last 9 years with the increase in price relatively small in comparison to the economic increases, which would also have a huge impact for the drivers. 

A Member acknowledged the current struggles of the taxi business but felt that this may be due to people choosing not to use them and that the change of rates may not improve this.  Concerns were raised that an increase would put a further financial strain on those that regularly used taxis in the current economic climate.  If agreed, it was suggested that the fares be reviewed again in 12 months to examine how successful the increase had been.

During discussion it was acknowledged that the fares had not been increased for nine years and although it would mean a higher rate for passengers, overall, the opinion was that under the current economic climate drivers needed the increase.

Several questions of clarity were addressed in relation to the process of the consultation going forward and the methods officers used to make the decision, including listening to views of the trade and the public, and comparisons with neighbouring local authorities. 

In response to a question, the Licensing Team Leader confirmed that monthly analysis had been undertaken through the pandemic in relation to driver numbers and there had been a decrease across all types of taxi licence holders.

It was moved by Councillor V Richichi, seconded by Councillor N Smith and

RESOLVED THAT:

1)      The Hackney Carriage Table of Fares be varied as follows (subject to public consultation by way of public notice):

a)               The fare for up to and including the first mile be increased to £4.00 from £3.70 from the specified date (subject to receipt of any objections)

b)               The fare for each additional tenth of a mile be increased to 20 pence, from the specified date (subject to receipt of any objections)

2)      The authority to determine whether any objections received are significant and require the matter to be reported back to Committee be delegated to the Environmental Health Team Manager.

3)      The authority to consider any objections received and modify the table for fares, if objections are not considered significant, be delegated to the Environmental Health Team Manager.