Agenda and minutes

Announcement on procedural matters.

The Chairman opened the meeting, introduced Committee Members and Officers in attendance, and outlined procedural matters of the meeting.

Apologies were received from Councillors Atkins, Hill, Lidstone and Roberts.

Councillors Thomson and Atwood were not present at the meeting.

To receive any declarations of interest by members in items on the agenda.  For any advice on declarations of interest, please contact the Monitoring Officer.

There were no declarations of interest made.

Members or members of the public should indicate which item(s) they wish to speak on and the nature of their concern/question/request for clarification.

Mr Clayton Berry was registered to speak on Agenda Item 6 – Request for a Hackney Carriage Fare Increase.

No amendments were proposed to the Minutes.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting dated 8 March 2022 be approved as a correct record.

Registered Speaker – Mr Clayton Berry

Sharon Degiorgio, Senior Licensing Officer, introduced the report as set out in the agenda.

Questions and discussion from Members included:

-       Mr Berry had consulted with approximately 50-60% of other local members of the Taxi trade

-       While exact figures were unknown as to the proportion of diesel (which was mentioned had increased in cost sharply due to recent world events, putting pressure on drivers) taxis compared to petrol and hybrid, it was noted that petrol and electricity had also increased in cost and so increased costs were affecting all members of the taxi and Hackney Carriage trade.

-       It was clarified with Mr Berry that the Weekend Surcharge would be removed in favour of the overall fare increase.  

RESOLVED: That the Licensing Committee had considered and approved the proposed increase in the table of fares as set out in appendix D of the report for implementation on 27 April 2022, subject to public consultation.

To consider any other items which the Chairman decides are urgent, for the reasons to be stated, in accordance with Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There was no urgent business for consideration.

The next meeting of the Licensing Committee was scheduled for 28 June 2022.