Issue - meetings

In accordance with Procedure Rules Nos.11 and 35 a period of 10 minutes is allocated for members of the public to address the meeting on any matter relating to the work of the body in question.  Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes but the Chairman or person presiding will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned where there are a number of speakers. Members of the public are not required to give notice to use this facility. However, as a matter of courtesy, a period of 24 hours’ notice is encouraged.

Members of the public wishing to ask a question at the meeting should provide at least three clear working days’ notice in writing and should include the question with that notice. This will enable an informed answer to be given.

Pat Gillick and Ivan Davies, taxi drivers operating in the Macclesfield zone, spoke in respect of the fare structure which, it was noted, had not increased in their area for approx 4 years.  During this time their operating costs, such as fuel, insurance and maintenance, had all increased with the result that the average profit margin was only 7% and if this continued or got any worse it would be very difficult for many operators to continue to provide the service, in the quality of vehicles required by the Licensing Authority. 

Mr Gillick and Mr Davies confirmed that they were in favour of the proposed different tariffs for the three pre-set times of day/night as this would mitigate against there not having been a general increase, and also assist in harmonising the structure between the three different operating zones within the Borough.