The Licensing Manager introduced a report of the Director of Law and Corporate Services which set out objections received in respect of a proposed increase to the Hackney Carriage Fares as proposed by Unite the Union on behalf of members of the Hackney Carriage trade. Members were reminded that at their meeting on 23 November 2023, they had resolved that the proposed increase to the Hackney Carriage Fares be approved subject to any objections being received as part of the consultation process. It was reported that 9 objections had been received and the Committee was therefore asked to consider the objections and make a determination on whether to implement the proposed increases.

Members discussed the nature of the objections received and the consultation process at length, noting that the legislation required the authority to seek objections only as opposed to general feedback. The Committee was advised that any amendment to the revised table of faires must come into effect no later than 21 February 2024.

It was moved by Councillor Stephen Bennett, seconded by Councillor Tom Laing, that in respect of the proposed fare increases contained in Appendix 2 of the report –

• The Tariff 1 Day Rate remain the same as the current scheme as set out at Appendix 1 of the Report
• Tariff 2 (Night Rate) and Tariff 3 (Public & Bank Holiday) fares be increased in line with the proposal, with the exception that the initial rate be calculated over the first 350 yards as opposed to the proposed 300 yards;
• The tariff 4 (Christmas) fare initial rate be increased in line with the proposal, with the exception that the initial rate be calculated over the first 880 yards as the current scheme;
• Tunnel fees be chargeable but the £5.00 surcharge for journeys to Liverpool be removed

Members debated the proposal where it was outlined that the rationale was to ensure that tariff 1 remained competitive with the availability of public transport in the day and took account of the objections received, whilst still providing a significant increase for tariffs 2 to 4. It was argued that the Committee had heard from representatives of Unite the Union who spoke of the challenges taxi drivers faced and that the Committee should give account of that representation.

After a considerable debate, the motion was put to the vote and carried (10:4). It was therefore –

Resolved – That in respect of the proposed fare increased contained in Appendix 2 of the report:

• The Tariff 1 Day Rate remain the same as the current scheme as set out at Appendix 1 of the Report
• Tariff 2 (Night Rate) and Tariff 3 (Public & Bank Holiday) fares be increased in line with the proposal, with the exception that the initial rate be calculated over the first 350 yards as opposed to the proposed 300 yards;
• The tariff 4 (Christmas) fare initial rate be increased in line with the proposal, with the exception that the initial rate be calculated over the first 880 yards as the current scheme;
• Tunnel fees be chargeable but the £5.00 surcharge for journeys to Liverpool be removed