Agenda and draft minutes

To authorise the Chairman to sign, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 4 July 2022 (copy attached).

RESOLVED – That the Chairman be authorised to sign, as a correct record, the minutes of the last meeting of the Committee, held on 4 July 2022.

To receive the minutes of the meetings of Licensing Regulatory Sub-Committees held on 11 August 2022 and 15 September 2022 (copies attached) and for the Chairmen of the appropriate Sub-Committees to sign, as correct records.

To receive the minutes of the meetings of Licensing Regulatory Sub-Committees held on 11 August 2022 and 15 September 2022; and for the Chairman of those Sub-Committees to sign them as a correct record.

To receive declarations by Members of interests in respect of items on this Agenda.

Members are reminded that, in accordance with the revised Code of Conduct, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests or other registrable interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests.  (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting.)

Members may, however, also decide, in the interests of clarity and transparency, to declare at this point in the meeting, any such disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, as well as any other registrable or other interests.

If a Member requires advice on any item involving a possible declaration of interest which could affect his/her ability to speak and/or vote, he/she is advised to contact the Monitoring Officer at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

RESOLVED – That it be noted that no declarations of interest were raised.

To consider whether the items, if any, in Part II of the Agenda should be considered in the presence of the press and public.

RESOLVED – That it be noted that there are no excluded items on the Agenda.

Any member of the public who wishes to ask a question, make representations or present a deputation or petition at this meeting should apply to do so by no later than 0:01am (one minute past midnight) two working days before the meeting.  Information on how to make the application can be obtained by viewing the Council’s Website www.southlakeland.gov.uk or by contacting the Committee Services Team on 01539 733333.

(1)        Questions and Representations

            To receive any questions or representations which have been received from members of the public.

(2)        Deputations and Petitions

            To receive any deputations or petitions which have been received from members of the public.

RESOLVED – That it be noted that no questions, representations, deputations or petitions had been received in respect of this meeting.

To consider a further review of the South Lakeland Hackney Carriage maximum fare tariff.

The Principal Specialist (Health and Environment) presented the report for the Hackney Carriage Fare Review. The background and proposals were relayed.

This report was presented in consideration of the decision made by the Licensing Regulatory Committee at their meeting on 28th March 2022 to apply a 5.4% increase to the Hackney Carriage table of fares. Members of the Committee agreed to review the decision within a 3 month period. This could not be undertaken until the revised SLDC Hackney Carriage and Private Hire policy had been adopted in August 2022. Members were reminded that the full fare review procedure had not been followed prior to this meeting and were signposted to background documents for reference.

Increases in operating costs, including fuel, maintenance, and repair of vehicles, and an increased use of card readers were discussed and the options available were presented to Members.

The Principal Specialist (Health and Environment) advised Members that prior to this further review of the Hackney Carriage tariff, some consultation had taken place with the local Hackney Carriage trade. Details of the results were relayed to Members and the corresponding tables (3.6, 3.7 and Appendix 1) were referenced within the report.

Members were reminded that any proposed alteration to the fares would require further consultation with specified timescales.

Members were reminded that any movement in Hackney Carriage Fares was at their discretion.

Members queried whether or not the Committee should agree to the increase based on the fact that the Committee would be only sitting for the next four months. Members sought further clarification on how any changes to the Hackney Carriage Fare would impact the plans made for the new Unitary Authority.

The Principal Specialist (Health and Environment) provided further explanation that until such a time as a combined Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Policy could be adopted by the new council, each area would continue to be governed by the adopted policies of the former councils, including hackney fares.

Members highlighted the issue of hailing a cheaper taxi from Barrow in comparison to other localities. Concern was expressed for the implications of fare increases across the board. Disparity between the costs and fairness was discussed. Members addressed the issue that any increase today could impact on other zones unfairly.

The Principal Specialist (Health and Environment) made comparisons between all the Local Authority rates as highlighted in diagram 3.7.  Current fare rates were discussed.

Members raised concerns about taxi drivers being able to purchase electric and low emission vehicles. Members stated that they were keen to promote taxi drivers to be able to purchase these in the future.

The Chairman noted that this would be covered within policy. The current and planned incentives for low emissions vehicles were relayed by the Principal Specialist (Health and Environment).

Members discussed encouraging the trade to move from traditional modes of transport to newer and more sustainable examples.

Members requested that the Hackney Carriage Fare should be reviewed more frequently considering rising costs, inflation and the Local Government Review.

The  ...  view the full minutes text for item LR/11