Agenda item

To consider the report of the Strategic Director of Operations.

Agreed:

RESOLVED that the Executive approves:

(1)   for the fare increase proposals (in Appendix C of the report) to be put out to public consultation in accordance with the statutory requirements to run from 6 November 2025 until 20 November 2025;

(2)   that the comments received during the earlier consultation, would be carried forward into the new consultation for consideration alongside any other responses received up to and including 20th November 2025; and

(3)   the Strategic Director of Operations, be granted delegated authority in agreement with the Portfolio Holder for City Management, to consider representations and determine whether to set a date for the revised table of fares to come into effect with, or without modifications.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report which sought authority to undertake a further consultation period to satisfy the legal duties set out in Section 65 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

Members were reminded that a request had previously been received from the Chair of Exeter St Davids Hackney Carriage Association, for an increase to the Hackney Carriage Fare Tariff and the Executive meeting on 20 May 2025, had agreed to a six-week consultation between 27th May and 8th July 2025.

The six-week period did not allow for completion within the statutory two-month timescale required under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and it was proposed that a new two-week consultation be undertaken between 6 and 20 November 2025 to comply with legislative requirements and would incorporate the feedback already received.

Particular reference was made to the 74 responses received during the six?week consultation period, of which, 69 had been in support of the fare changes. Delegated authority was also being sought to enable the Strategic Director of Operations and Portfolio Holder for City Management to consider any representations made and whether to introduce the proposed changes, with or without modifications, following the consultation period.

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

·        the inclusion of data to meet statutory and charter obligations was supported and the additional two weeks was endorsed;

·        the environmental benefits outlined in section 9 of the report with regards to Exeter’s taxi fleet being among the greenest was welcomed;

·        fare increases would also support further environmental ambitions;

·        clarification was sought on the addition of two weeks in relation to the previous consultation;

·        taxi drivers had not received a rise for a number of years and the provisions for a resolution before Christmas were welcomed.

In response to questions and points raised by Members, the Portfolio Holder for City Management and the Strategic Director for Operations advised that:-

·        taxi drivers provided an essential service and a swift progression for fare increases through delegated powers was welcomed;

·        the initial plan was for four weeks but had been extended to six weeks to align with the Council’s Consultation Charter, and caused a timing issue with the statutory period;

·        a review of the Consultation Charter would be undertaken to ensure it incorporated regulatory/statutory periods of consultation; and

·        it was anticipated that new feedback in the consultation would mirror prior responses received.

Opposition group leaders raised the following points and questions:

·        the fares had been reported at a recent Taxi Forum meeting and had been supported;

·        there were 94 Hackney Carriage drivers in the city, who were considered as ambassadors of the city, and the increase was deserved;

·        praise was given to the Chairs of the two taxi associations and support was given for the delegation to the Portfolio Holder and Strategic Director to implement the changes before Christmas;

·        an enquiry was made on the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and assurances were sought on the powers of delegation, and whether the matter should be referred to the next Executive meeting; and

·        support was given to expediate the fare increases having heard the desire from Hackney drivers about the need for an increase.

The Leader highlighted the honesty and integrity of local drivers following a recent experience. He also advised that he supported the two-week consultation and that the Council was being fully compliant.

The Leader moved the recommendations, which were seconded by Councillor Wright, voted upon, and CARRIED unanimously.

RESOLVED that the Executive approves:

(1)   for the fare increase proposals (in Appendix C of the report) to be put out to public consultation in accordance with the statutory requirements to run from 6 November 2025 until 20 November 2025;

(2)   that the comments received during the earlier consultation, would be carried forward into the new consultation for consideration alongside any other responses received up to and including 20th November 2025; and

(3)   the Strategic Director of Operations, be granted delegated authority in agreement with the Portfolio Holder for City Management, to consider representations and determine whether to set a date for the revised table of fares to come into effect with, or without modifications.