Issue - meetings

To consider proposals for the phased harmonisation of the Table of Fares.

That approval be given for phase one of the proposals to be implemented with changes set out by the Cabinet Member to take effect from 3rd August 2015.

It was reported that on 5 December 2014 the relevant Cabinet Member, following consultation with the trade and general public, considered proposals to introduce the phased harmonisation of hackney carriage fares across Cheshire East’s three zones.  At that time it was resolved: 

1.    That phase one of the proposal be implemented;

2.    That any future proposals for change be subject to full consultation and that the Council be committed to listening to the views of taxi drivers and owners, and local residents;

3.    That the Licensing Team Leader be authorised to take all necessary action to implement phase one including writing and advertising the statutory public notices;

4.    That In the event of any objections being received following placement the notices a further Portfolio Holder meeting be arranged to consider them; and

5.    If no objections are received the table of fares for each zone, having been advertised in accordance with the requirements of Section 65 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, will automatically come into force on the date specified in the public notices.

During the week commencing 8 June 2015 a Notice publicising the proposed changes was placed in a newspaper circulating in each of the Council’s Hackney Carriage Zones. Additionally, a letter explaining the proposals was sent to each Hackney Carriage vehicle licence holder. The Notices allowed a 21 day period where objections to the proposals could be made and also specified that if no objections were received the changes would take automatic effect on 3 August 2015.

The Portfolio Holder thanked the taxi drivers for their contribution.  He reported that, following consideration of the of the responses it was proposed that phase 1 of the proposals be implemented and that, in response to the comments received, it was proposed to add further wording into the Macclesfield and Congleton tables to clarify when the extra charges for Christmas and New Year will apply.  The proposed wording was circulated at the meeting and has been added to the website with these minutes.

RESOLVED

That approval be given for phase one of the proposals to be implemented with changes set out by the Cabinet Member to take effect from 3rd August 2015.