Agenda and minutes

To receive declarations of interest from Members on items contained within the agenda

There were no declarations of interest stated.

Resolved:     That the minutes of the meeting held on the 17^th January 2023 be agreed as a correct record.

To receive declarations of interest from Members on items contained within the agenda

There were no declarations of interest stated.

Members considered a report on the proposed taxi and private hire fees for 2023/24. It was agreed in December 2022 that the fees would be subject to a public consultation which was subsequently carried out. No responses were received and therefore the table was the same as the one previously submitted.

The Regulatory Services Director presented the report and responded to questions from members as detailed hereunder:

-       Was the taxi drivers association still active? – Every private hire would be associated with a private hire operator and yes the Hackney Carriage Trade Association was still in existence and had been contacted by officers however no responses were received.

-       Two of the charges appeared to have decreased by 20%, why was that? – External equipment was previously bought and included in the price, as this was now paid off the costs had been reduced accordingly.

-       Was it correct to say that as it was not a profit making operation the small increases and reductions were appearing as a result of aiming to break even? – Yes, reductions could be brought for example when a training moves online.

Resolved:     That the proposed taxi and private hire fees for 2023/24 be approved.

Watch the debate here

To consider the minutes of the Public Protection Sub-Committees which have met since the previous Licensing and Public Protection Committee.

Resolved:     That the minutes of the Public Protection Sub-Committee meetings held on 18^th January, 8^th February and 8^th March 2023 be received.

To consider any business which is urgent within the meaning of Section 100B (4) of the Local Government Act 1972

There was no urgent business.