Issue - meetings

To consider the report.

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive considered the objections against the proposal, and resolved to adopt the recommended table of fares shown at Appendix 1 of the report, so that it may come into effect on the 20May 2024.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited the Lead Member for Communities, Housing and Culture, Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, to present the report.

The Lead Member for Communities, Housing and Culture, Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, presented the report, highlighting: that the Licensing service is seeking to provide one unified table of fares for hackney carriage vehicles (taxi) across Somerset so that maximum fares are aligned across Somerset; the lead member summarised comments and feedback from public consultation and Scrutiny Committee – Communities 4 April 2024 and responses; that any table of fares is a maximum rate that can be charged, with the opportunity to work within the rates and the importance of striking a balance to provide the opportunity for a competitive taxi market; and the importance of taxis as a form of public transport especially in areas of limited or non existent bus and rail options.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from other Members present, questions and points raised included: the impact of the increase in cost of living and motoring costs; the omission of a previously used area booking fee; auction of rank and the importance of a competitive market; the negotiation of and pricing of taxi fares; the importance of taxis in the community and the local economy; the importance of reviewing the taxi fares annually or biannually to avoid negatively impacting the travelling public; and the welcome consultation process and associated engagement.

The Executive proceeded to vote on the recommendations, which were agreed unanimously.????

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive considered the objections against the proposal, and resolved to adopt the recommended table of fares shown at Appendix 1 of the report, so that it may come into effect on the 20 May 2024.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report.??? 

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report.?