Decision details

Section 65 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 gives the Local Authority the discretion to set the maximum fares payable in connection with the hire of a hackney carriage vehicle.  The legislation also sets out requirements for the publication of Notices, and the receipt and consideration of objections, all of which have been complied with throughout this process. 

On 7 January 2013 the Portfolio Holder approved that in line with an earlier recommendation of the Licensing Committee, made on 5 November 2012, formal consultation should be conducted on the harmonisation of fares across the Borough; this followed earlier consultations having been carried out since work on the potential harmonisation of fares across the Borough first started in June 2011. 

The fares must be set out in a ‘Table of Fares’ and on 28 April 2014 the Portfolio Holder agreed that Notices of the Proposed Table of Fares should be published without amendment.  A 21 day period was given in which responses could be made and as a result a significant number have been received.  The proposals will affect each zone differently and the report details the range of comments/objections received and suggests possible ways in which some of them can be addressed.

The Portfolio Holder is asked to consider all the relevant information including alternative suggestions made by objectors and, in the event of deciding that significant changes are appropriate, to also consider whether further publication of the Notices would be appropriate so as to allow another opportunity for comment on any further changes to the proposal.  In addition, consideration can be given to dealing with the table of fares differently in each of the three zones.

Having considered the information in the report, including responses to the consultation and the guidance referred to, I continue to be persuaded by the argument for harmonisation of the three tables of fares. However, from the consultation responses, harmonisation in one leap has the potential to disproportionately affect some service users, especially those on fixed or limited incomes.  My decision is therefore:

1.    To confirm that the current Tables of Fares in each zone will remain unchanged.

2.    That the Licensing Team Leader be requested to prepare option(s) for the staggered harmonisation the Table of Fares; those proposals should include waiting time, and extra charges for passengers in excess of one.

3.    That a further report be presented to me setting out those proposals prior to further consultation with the licensed trade.