Issue - meetings

That the variation to the table of fares set out at paragraph 2.8 of the report submitted, be approved.

The Executive Member for Environment and the Public Space submitted a report which considered a proposal to change the fares tariff that can be charged by East Herts Licensed Hackney Carriages.

He referred to the consultation undertaken with the taxi trade and the consideration by the Licensing Committee, at its meeting held on 14 March 2018 (Minute 407 refers).  The Committee’s recommendation was to only raise the flag fare (the initial charge for hiring a taxi) at this time, rather than varying the yardage and waiting amounts as well.  This gradual increasing in the fares was also the approach advocated by parts of the trade.  The Executive noted that although the proposal amounted to a 10% increase, the table of fares had not been varied for seven years.

Councillor G McAndrew moved, and Councillor G Jones seconded, a motion that the recommendation now detailed be approved.  After being put to the meeting, and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

The Executive approved the proposal now detailed.

RESOLVED - that the variation to the table of fares set out at paragraph 2.8 of the report submitted, be approved.

The Head of Housing and Health submitted a report inviting Members to consider the proposal to change the fares tariff that might be charged by East Herts Licensed Hackney Carriages.

The Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) referred to table of fares and the requirement that the meter had to be used in the District.  A fee less than that displayed by the meter could be charged in a Hackney Carriage.  Journeys that were outside of the District could also be subject to different agreed fares between the taxi driver and a passenger.

The Service Manager referred to the statutory framework for taxi licensing and commented that the taxi trade in East Herts had been asked for an opinion regarding a potential variation to the table of fares.

The proposed 10 % increase in the flag fare would go before Executive for a decision on 24th April 2018.  The consultation on the variation to the table of fares would last for 14 days between 26 April and 10 May 2018.  If thereafter, no objections were received then the new table of fares would come into effect on 11 May 2018.

Members were advised that, if during the consultation, objections were received then these would be considered by Executive on 12 June 2018.  At this meeting, the final table of fares would be set to come into effect on 13 June 2018.

The Service Manager advised that the proposal would be to review the fares again six months after any variation came into force and then to instigate an annual review.  This did not guarantee an increase on every occasion but ensured that the fares are reviewed regularly.  Members received the report.

RESOLVED – that (A) the proposed variation to the table of fares listed in paragraph 2.8 of the report submitted and the requirement for consultation be noted; and

(B)   that the proposed variation to the table of fares be recommended to the Executive for approval before the consultation commences.