Agenda and minutes

To confirm and sign the minutes of 18 January 2019.

The minutes of the meeting 18 January 2019 were confirmed and signed.

To update Members of the responses received during the consultation period in relation to the amendment of the Hackney Carriage Taxi Tariff. This was agreed by members of the Licensing Committee on 18 January 2019 to hold a formal consultation in relation to this request.

Report attached (page 7-11)

Appendix A (page 12)

Appendix B (page 13-14)

Appendix C (page 15)

Appendix D (page 16)

Appendix E (page 17-21)

Members considered a report presented by Michelle Bishop updating them of the responses received during the consultation period in relation to the amendment of the Hackney Carriage Taxi Tariff. This was agreed by members of the Licensing Committee on 18 January 2019 to hold a formal consultation in relation to this request.

Members asked questions, made comments and received responses as follows:

·       Councillor Miscandlon said that the response was very poor for the number of licensed drivers there are, bearing in mind this concerns their livelihood. Michelle Bishop confirmed that all drivers would have been aware of the consultation as the consultation letter was sent out twice due to an error she made in the original letter, leading to an extension of the original consultation period. It was also advertised on social media and in the local press so no drivers were excluded from the consultation. 

·       Councillor Mayor added that the consultation was in response to a driver request initially.

·       Councillor Miscandlon said that members had only recommended the second consultation because the first response was very poor but, as previously stated, this response was just as bad. Michelle Bishop advised she had a telephone conversation with the person who had initially put in the request but that person has not responded to this consultation. Councillor Miscandlon was surprised by this considering we had complied with their request. Michelle Bishop advised that what they had requested was slightly different to what was consulted on.

·       Councillor Owen pointed out that the proposed tariff change is optional. Michelle Bishop agreed, they do not have to charge it but if they do it is the maximum that can be charged. Councillor Oliver said that drivers can either maintain the status quo by not charging extra, or they can increase their charge but either way the market will decide on who gets the business and who does not.

·       Councillor Humphrey stated that only 22 licensed hackney carriage vehicles are capable of carrying more than 4 passengers so although other drivers could have responded, it does not affect them in any way. Councillor Miscandlon pointed out that modern large cars can carry more than 4 passengers, excluding the driver, so for other drivers not to have responded is perhaps a little irresponsible on their behalf. It does affect them and they have missed an opportunity. Michelle Bishop advised that the consultation included private hire drivers, even though they set their fees, just to give a level playing field.

·       Councillor Owen asked that if the new charges are agreed it be made clear that this is voluntary and up to the proprietor as the maximum that can be charged.

Proposed by Councillor Oliver and seconded by Councillor Miscandlon, Members AGREED to the proposed increase to the Table of Fares, which will take effect from 30 May 2019.