Decision details

That the Executive agrees to consider any consultation responses received and agree the proposed new maximum fare tariff.

RESOLVED

1.         that the Executive considers the comments, the Licensing & Regulatory Committee recommendation and the maximum fare tariff (with modification to retain the existing 60p booking fee) be agreed.

2.         the agreed maximum fare tariff comes into effect on the 17 June 2022 (within 2 months of the first specified date - last date for objections on the scale of fares consultation, 18 April 2022).

3.         the frequency of future reviews in line with DFT current guidance consultation of every 12 months be agreed.

Reason: The recommendation is in response to the request from the Hackney

Carriage Operators for a review of fares and subsequent comments made

following consultation on the scale of fares. It is important to find a balance

between the income generated by Taxi Drivers, to cover their day to day costs

and the costs associated with the licensing process, as well as setting fares

which meet the needs of residents and visitors to the area.

The hackney carriage fare review process has been carried out historically on an ad hoc basis and upon request. Department for Transport guidance on ‘Taxi and private hire vehicle licensing: best practice guidance’ (March 2022) confirms that fare scales should be ‘designed with a view to practicality’ and it is good practice ‘to review the fare scales at regular intervals’. The guidance also suggests that ‘Authorities may wish to consider adopting a simple formula for deciding on fare revisions as this will increase understanding and improve transparency of the process’. Further, that in reviewing fares authorities should ‘pay particular regard to the needs of their travelling public, with reference both to what it is reasonable to expect people to pay but also to the need to give taxi drivers sufficient incentive to provide a service when it is needed’.

[Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee]