Agenda item

To consider an increase to the Hackney Carriage fares and to approve a proposal for public consultation.

RECOMMENDATION

1.    To approve an increase in the current Hackney Fare table, for public consultation

2.    Authorise the Head of Place to make minor administrative amendments to the documents prior to consultation

Members were asked to consider an increase to the Hackney Carriage fares and to approve a proposal for public consultation.

Members attention was drawn to the following pages of the report:

·       29,30 and 32 - the 4/10 & 6/10 have been shown incorrectly in yards and meters and has been amended on the master document

·       27 - Waverley’s last increase was in 2014 

·       23 - the petrol and diesel price information has increased since the document was produced 

·       25 & 26 there have been changes to Hackney Carriage Two Mile Tariff 

Representatives of Hart Taxis and VGT Taxis read out pre-prepared written statements.

Members questioned:

·       The proportion of short fares (2 miles) against longer fares

·       If public consultation includes members of the public 

·       Why, as the previous two consultations process has three clear views and a clear choice received from trade, was a different option now offered?

·       To what degree had neighbouring authorities applied increases

·       If a higher cost of living in Hart had been taken into account

·       Waiting times and booking fees being excluded from the proposal

·       The number of Hackney Carriages in Hart and if there had been a reduction in numbers

·       If additional feedback had been received

·       The coloration on fuel prices to potential margins

·       The need to look at both public and trade sides

·       If there was a mathematical formula for the figures

Officers confirmed:

·       Officers have attempted a hybrid using informatio from the trades suggestions also having in mind the pubic impact to create a solution that balances these two issues

·       There is no statutory requirement to engage with trade prior to consultation but is undertaken to forge good working relations

·       Balance needs to be achieved to support trade and protect the Community

·       The tariffs suggested by the trade would have put Hart second highest rate in the country, and top five for two-mile rate

·       Rushmoor had applied an increase and reflected recently due to cost of fuel and cost of living, but not reviewing further as at an appropriate level  

·       Basingstoke & Deane had not fed in the cost of living and will review in 6 months

·       234 licensed Hackney Carriage drivers in Hart, yet not all are currently using their licences

·       Feedback received included: a long time since an increase had been applied; the need for an increase but not at the expense of losing business

·       Fuel and other costs total15% of £10 so there is a tax opportunity

·       Parts and increase can be applied in percentages, but adding up to 30% would be negative to the public who are also impacted by the cost of living increases

Members debated:

·       Achieving balance between providing residents with a competitive service, but ensuring trade can provide a service

·       Adding of booking and waiting fees

·       The need for a regular review of not more than 12 months, looking at average CPI and costs for an upwards or downwards review

·       Statutory consultation period to be applied, and extended to social media and parish councils

·       A future review to take into account electric vehicles

Councillor Forster proposed the Committee agree to proceed to public consultation as set out in Appendix H, with these amendments, the flags to be set at £3.20, £4.60 & £6.80.

Members undertook a recorded vote:

Councillor Collins               Against

Councillor Coburn              For

Councillor Farmer              For

Councillor Forster              For

Councillor Harward            Against

Councillor Wildsmith          For

The proposal was accepted by a vote of 4 – 2.

DECISION

1.    To approve an increase in the current Hackney Carriage Fare table, for public consultation as per Appendix H, with these amendments, a flag of £3.20, £4.60 & £6.80

2.    To add booking fees and waiting times into the consultation document

3.    To review Hackney Carriage Tariffs in no more than 12 months and at any relevant time within that period

4.    To undertake a three-week consultation

5.    The Committee to be sent copies of the amended proposal

6.    To authorise the Head of Place to make minor administrative amendments to the documents prior to consultation

7.    To postpone the next meeting scheduled for 5 July 2022 and to convene a new meeting as soon as reasonably possible following the consultation