Agenda and draft minutes

To approve as correct the minutes of the meeting held on 20 December 2022

(Note: If any Member wishes to propose an amendment to the minutes they should submit this in writing to committeeservices@horsham.gov.uk at least 24 hours before the meeting.  Where applicable, the audio recording of the meeting will be checked to ensure the accuracy of the proposed amendment.)

The minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 20 December were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members of the Committee

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive any announcements from the Chairman of the Committee or the Chief Executive

There were no announcements.

To receive the report of the Head of Environmental Health & Licensing

Councillor John Blackall, Chairman of the Committee, advised that since the proposed Hackney Carriage rate increases had been considered by the Committee in December, some minor adjustments to some of the tariffs had been required after further discussion with the primary consultees.  It was therefore necessary for the Committee to reconsider the proposal.

The Head of Environmental Health & Licensing confirmed that this was the first increase in rates for 10 years and was due to the significant increase in the price of fuel and the general cost of living.  Consultation on the proposed rates, as set out in the appendix to the report, would commence straight after the Committee’s decision.

Horsham Licensed Carriage Association and many of the independent hackney drivers had proposed an increase.   The Head of Environmental Health & Licensing confirmed that the new rates were similar to those adopted by neighbouring local authorities. Members noted that the Council set the charges but did not gain financially from them.

RESOLVED

(i)     To agree the changes to Tariffs 1 – 6 as set out at Appendix 1 and the addition of a soiling charge, for statutory consultation with the hackney trade and public.

(ii)     To agree to advertise the proposed fare increases contained in Appendix 1.

(iii)    That, subject to satisfactory consultation procedure and there being no representations TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL the approval of the fares contained in Appendix 1.

REASON

(i)      To set standard fares throughout the district.

(ii)     To prevent fraud and overcharging of passengers.

(iii)    To ensure openness and transparency in decision-making.

Items not on the agenda which the Chairman of the meeting is of the opinion should be considered as urgent because of the special circumstances

There was no urgent business.