Issue - meetings

That the Hackney Carriage Table of Fares be agreed as amended in Appendix 3 to this report to come into effect from 1 June 2022.

Council officers had met with the taxi trade association and they had requested an increase in fares. The fares had not been raised since 2014 and were last reviewed in 2019 when there was only one small change. There was a need to ensure that fares were affordable but ensured a reliable service. The recent increase in fuel prices was noted.

The Corporate Scrutiny Committee had noted that there was a need to ensure that fares were clearly displayed and that they were the maximum that could be charged.

Consideration was given to the report for Cabinet on 12 May 2022, which sought approval to set the Table of Fares for Hackney Carriages to come into effect from 1 June 2022.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Protection, Digital Transformation, Housing Provision and Housing Needs confirmed that an increase to the Table of Fares was justified, following the results of trade and public consultations and due to the increasing costs associated with running taxis and fuel costs.

Discussion took place with regards to the consultation process, transparency around how taxi fares are published, objections related to the availability of alternative public transportation, discretionary rates, and the impact on home-to-school transport. 

RESOLVED:

THAT the report to Cabinet on 12 May 2022 be noted.