Agenda and minutes

None. 

To elect a Chairman of the Licensing Committee for the 2008/09 municipal year. 

Councillors RE Barrett and Mrs CAED Murfitt were nominated and seconded and, following a show of hands of those Committee members present, it was

RESOLVED    that Councillor RE Barrett be elected Chairman of the Licensing Committee for the municipal year 2008/09.

To appoint a Vice-Chairman of the Licensing Committee for the 2008/09 municipal year. 

Councillors R Hall and Mrs CAED Murfitt were nominated and seconded and, following a show of hands of those Committee members present, it was

RESOLVED    that Councillor R Hall be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Licensing Committee for the municipal year 2008/09.

That the Chairman be authorised to sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 25 April 2008. 

The Committee authorised the Chairman to sign, as a correct record, the Minutes of the meeting held on 25 April 2008.

Under the powers of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, a request for a review of Hackney Carriage Tariffs can be made to the District Council. Such a request to this Council was made by one of the five Hackney Carriage operators in the District for consideration to be given to bringing the charges in line with those of other authorities and in particular those of Cambridge City Council. The fares agreed by the City Council were attached as Appendix B to the agenda and related only to journeys taken within the South Cambridgeshire district.

Consultation, outlining two sets of proposals, subsequently took place with all the operators. Four responses were received and all requested that South Cambs tariffs be in line with those of the City Council. Members noted that the proposed tariffs would benefit the public, apart from those undertaking single, short journeys and that confusion had, historically arose relating to the different charges made by the City and SCDC. That particular issue was now being addressed.

The Licensing Officer informed Members that the Licensing Officers Group, of which he was a member, had been tasked to investigate the possibility of standardising conditions to find a formula that would be effective across the county.

Members expressed concern relating to rising fuel costs and how that would impact on the charges. In response, Members were informed that Private Hire drivers set their own charges and that the charges under consideration by the Committee were those for Hackney Carriage drivers only. A review of the charges would be undertaken again if requested to do so by those drivers.

Members maintained their concern regarding fluctuating fuel prices, particularly for Hackney Carriage drivers and in response were informed that there was a cost associated with the re-setting of their meters. The Committee, could however request Cabinet to consider delegating authority to the Portfolio Holder to review this particular policy; this suggestion was met with a favourable response, subject to maintaining full consultation with the trade. If Cabinet agreed that course of action, the tariff structure could be considered on an annual basis, as was the practice of the City Council.

In conclusion, the Licensing Committee RECOMMENDED to the Environmental Services Portfolio Holder that Cabinet:

(a)   approves the new tariff structure and fees for advertising as set out in Appendix B to the covering report,

(b)   agrees to future fee increases being in line with that of Cambridge City Council, ie follow the Public Carriage Office (London Cabs) formulation,

(c)   that if, after advertising the proposed tariffs, no objections are received, then the Corporate Manager for Health and Environmental Services be delegated to set an implementation date as soon as possible with the trade and meter manufacturers, and

(d)   considers delegating authority to the Environmental Services Portfolio Holder to change tariffs relating to Hackney Carriage Drivers, if and when required.

The Environmental Services Portfolio Holder,

RECOMMENDS            to Cabinet the above recommendations of the Licensing Committee.