| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| LA 12/103 |
Declarations of interest. |
There were no declarations of interest made. |
| LA 12/104 |
Minutes |
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting of the Licensing and Appeals Committee held on 18 September 2012 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
| LA 12/105 |
Minutes |
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meetings of the Licensing and Appeals Committee sitting as a Panel held on 17 September, 17 October and 7 November 2012 be received and noted. |
| DECISIONS TAKEN UNDER DELEGATED POWERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 3 (OR 2), PART 3 OF THE CONSTITUTION | ||
| LA 12/106 |
Review of Hackney Carriage Fares |
In accordance with the commitment to review hackney carriage fares on an annual basis, consideration was given to whether an increase in the maximum fares was now appropriate. The report of the Chief Solicitor set out the background to the current scale of fares and provided comparative information from other Kent authorities together with the outcome of consultation with all hackney carriage and dual badge licensed drivers. The report highlighted the price of fuel as the key cost for the taxi trade together with increases in the Consumer Price Indices. It was noted that the current maximum fares within Tonbridge and Malling for short journeys of one and two miles remained uncompetitive with other authorities in Kent although for a ten mile journey the fare was above the Kent average. In the circumstances it was proposed to increase the maximum fare tariff by reducing the distance of the flag rate from 0.75 to 0.55 miles. Members asked a number of questions regarding comparison with other authorities and received an explanation of the operation of the flag rate. It was noted that any proposal to vary the table of fares was subject to statutory public consultation and any relevant objections would be reported back for consideration. RESOLVED: That the table of Hackney Carriage Fares be increased in accordance with section 1.56 of the report, the change to take effect from 7 January 2013 to allow for the statutory public consultation period. |
| LA 12/107 |
Review of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy |
The Chief Solicitor presented a review of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy for the period 2013 - 2016. The report highlighted the main changes from the current policy adopted on 2 November 2010. It was noted that the revised policy reflected Department for Transport Best Practice Guidance and took into account discussions at a series of workshops for operators. Particular reference was made to the introduction of age limits for licensed vehicles and the officers undertook to provide information on the number of vehicles currently over 10 years of age. Reference was also made to the introduction of a three yearly medical for all drivers in line with best practice throughout the country. The report outlined the arrangements for public consultation on the policy including further taxi drivers' liaison meetings which Members were welcome to attend. RESOLVED: That the draft policy set out at Annex 1 to the report be approved for public consultation. |
| MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRIVATE | ||
| LA 12/108 |
Exclusion of Press and Public |
The Chairman moved, it was seconded and RESOLVED: That as public discussion would disclose exempt information, the following matter be considered in private. |
| PART 2 - PRIVATE | ||
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| LA 12/109 |
Licensing and Appeals Panel - Taxi Workload (Reason: LGA 1972 Sch 12A Paragraph 1 - Information relating to an individual) |
The report of the Chief Solicitor updated Members on the workload of the Licensing and Appeals Panel which had considered 15 cases since 16 May 2012. Reference was made to the introduction of the points system and the more rigorous application of the policy. Further hearings had been scheduled in the New Year at times which would give all Members of the Committee the opportunity to serve on a Panel. RESOLVED: That the report be received and noted. |