PDF 107 KBVenue: Committee Suite 1 & 2, Westfields, Middlewich Road, Sandbach CW11 1HZ. View directions
Link: audio recording
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Apologies for Absence To receive any apologies for absence. Minutes: There were no apologies for absence. |
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Declarations of Interest To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests in any item on the agenda. Minutes: No declarations of interest were made. |
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Public Speaking Time/Open Session 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 relevant 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.
Minutes: No members of the public were present. |
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Phase Two - Harmonisation of Hackney Carriage Table of Fares To consider proposals for the implementation of phase two of the harmonisation of the Table of Fares applicable in each of the Council’s Hackney Carriage Zones. Additional documents:
Decision: The history of the Council’s proposals to amend the Hackney carriage fares had been considered on a number of previous occasions.
In July 2014 proposals were drawn up based on parameters approved the Cabinet Member, which included harmonising fares over a number of steps, that meant that eventually the first mile and flag rates would be the same, and that waiting time be included in any proposals.
A 6 week consultation period was conducted from 13th August 2014 to 24th September 2014. The proposals were also published on the Council’s website and two drop-in sessions were organised for anyone who wanted more information on the proposals..
On the 5th December 2014 the Portfolio Holder considered the consultation responses in relation to the ‘Phased Harmonisation’ proposals.
On the 13th July 2015 the Portfolio Holder resolved that phase one of the proposals be implemented with effect from 3rd August 2015. The current fares applicable in each zone are set out at appendix 5.
The table of fares should be set to enable:
§ Sustainable income for drivers. It is therefore important that the public and trade recognise that the Council sets the maximum fares payable rather than a fixed rate. § Future investment in vehicles to ensure they remain safe and suitable for use as a working vehicle § Clear and simple maximum charges that minimise the opportunity for overcharging or confusion
The Council has no power to set the fees for private hire vehicles. In addition the Table of Fares is not applicable to vehicles licensed by other Local Authorities, but working in the Borough. Minutes: The Licensing Officer introduced the report and gave a brief history of the Council’s proposals to amend the Hackney carriage fares which had been considered on a number of previous occasions. This history is set out in Appendix 2.
In July 2014 the Portfolio Holder had considered proposals which were drawn up based on parameters approved by the Cabinet Member, which included harmonising fares over a number of steps, that meant that eventually the first mile and flag rates would be the same, and that waiting time be included in any proposals.
A 6 week consultation period was conducted from 13th August 2014 to 24th September 2014. The proposals were also published on the Council’s website and two drop-in sessions were organised for anyone who wanted more information on the proposals. The consultation document is set out in Appendix 3 and all consultation responses received are set out in Appendix 4.
On the 5th December 2014 the Portfolio Holder considered the consultation responses in relation to the ‘Phased Harmonisation’ proposals.
On the 13th July 2015 the Portfolio Holder resolved that phase one of the proposals be implemented with effect from 3rd August 2015. The current fares applicable in each zone are set out at appendix 5.
The table of fares should be set to enable:
§ Sustainable income for drivers. It is therefore important that the public and trade recognise that the Council sets the maximum fares payable rather than a fixed rate. § Future investment in vehicles to ensure they remain safe and suitable for use as a working vehicle § Clear and simple maximum charges that minimise the opportunity for overcharging or confusion
The Council has no power to set the fees for private hire vehicles. In addition the Table of Fares is not applicable to vehicles licensed by other Local Authorities, but working in the Borough.
RESOLVED:
That:
1. Phase two of the proposals be initiated in line with the relevant statutory processes (appendix 1). 2. The Licensing Team Leader be authorised to take all necessary actions to commence the proposals including writing and advertising the Statutory Public Notices. 3. In the event of any objections being received following placement of the notices, a further Portfolio Holder meeting should be arranged to consider those objections. 4. If no objections are received, the Table of Fares for each zone, 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.
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