Issue - meetings

Reporting Person – Joanne McIntosh

The Executive received a recommendation from the Licensing Committee held on 4 October 2022 in relation to the setting of Hackney Carriage Fares.  A supplementary report was tabled at the meeting setting out a minute extract and recommendations from the Licensing Committee.  Councillor Lyons, Portfolio Holder for Licensing, explained the proposals to introduce a more robust method of calculating fares for Hackney Carriages on the same basis used by Guildford Borough Council, noting that it had been judicially reviewed with success and implemented following extensive consultation.  It was highlighted that an annual review of the calculation would be reported to the Licensing Committee.

The Executive welcomed the recommendations which would provide an easier, clearer and fairer method of setting maximum fares for Hackney Carriages.

RESOLVED

That  (i)    the proposed method of working out the Hackney Carriage Fares be formally adopted;

          (ii)   delegated authority be given to the Head of Legal Services, in consultation with the Licensing Portfolio Holder, to act on behalf of the Council in agreeing to any future changes to Hackney Carriage Fares;

          (iii)  it be agreed that the fares are to be reassessed as a matter of priority by the Licensing Authority to ensure that the maximum fares the Hackney Carriage trade can charge are not being restricted at a time of record inflation and rising fuel costs, by way of a required statutory consultation with the outcomes considered by the Head of Legal Services in consultation with the Licensing Portfolio Holder; and

          (iv)  an annual review of the calculation be reported to the Licensing Committee.

Reason:   To ensure that the setting of Hackney Carriage taxi fares remains robust, fair and clear for the trade and the travelling public.