Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Strategic Director of Operations.

Agreed:

RESOLVED that the Executive approves that:

(1) the proposals be put out to public consultation to run from 27 May 2025 until 8 July 2025 (6 weeks);

(2) a public notice containing the proposed variation table be published in one local newspaper during the consultation period; and

(3) where there are representations made, that the matter be brought back to Executive on 23 September 2025 for determination.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report and as amended at the meeting.

The Executive received the report on a request from the Chair of Exeter St Davids Hackney Carriage Association, to increase the Hackney Carriage Fare Tariff and determine whether to proceed to public consultation based on the proposed tariff table included with the report.

Particular reference was made to:-

·         the variation of Hackney carriage charges was the only licensing matter requiring Executive approval, under primary legislation and required periodic review;

·         the proposed public consultation was double the minimum requirement  of the Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act to allow full public input;

·         the fare-setting formula used was a nationally recognised system, originally devised by Guildford Borough Council. Local figures had been input into the formula; and

·         detailed information and a comparison of current and proposed fares was outlined in Appendix B of the report.

During the discussion, Executive Members raised the following points and questions:-

·         there had been a seven-year period where there had been no Hackney fare increases until more recently;

·         the current proposal was considered to be a fair and necessary adjustment, especially for the area;

·         Appendix B was praised for its clarity, and highlighted that although certain tariffs appeared large, they were offset by increased distance units, meaning passengers travelled further for the same cost;

·         issues for Hackney drivers included longer waiting times and short fares, which had impacted on drivers’ earnings;

·         the inclusion of a luggage cost was supported as being fair, given the additional service provided by drivers;

·         the legal basis for the four-week consultation period was questioned, and whether it should be extended to six weeks to align with the Council’s consultation charter;

·         there was an emphasis on including disability and age-related groups in the consultation due to medium negative risk identified in Equality Impact Assessment;

·         the service provided by Hackney Carriage drivers was considered to be excellent and the proposed increase was welcomed;

·         the proposed fare figures were based on actual local costs;

·         Exeter’s Hackney fleet was approximately 50% wheelchair accessible, reflecting strong local control and commitment to accessibility; and

·         the quality and presentation of Exeter taxis were praised, notably their reliability and being compliant with Euro 6 or better environmental standards.

An opposition group leader supported the supported the recommendation and noted that the proposed fares would place Exeter in the top quartile nationally. He also highlighted that the proposals had been benchmarked against other authorities and noted the reduction in fuel costs which had also supported making savings.

In response to questions raised, the Head of Service - Environment and Waste advised that:-

·         after the first mile, a flat rate was applied. The calculation in combined the first mile and running mile, with an example being the two-mile fare being £7.60;

·         the consultation period was set by Section 65 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976; and

·         extending the consultation period to six weeks would be difficult to meet the Executive meeting deadlines for August, however, it was within the gift of the Executive to amend the recommendation.

The Leader moved and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41