Agenda item

That the proposed fees set out in paragraph 5.9 of the report be approved.

The Licensing Manager introduced a report which sought approval for the proposed new fees for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers and Operators.

Under the Deregulation Act 2015 changes were introduced to standardise the duration of all driver licences to three years and operator licences to five years.  However, licensing authorities could specify a lesser period in such licences as the authority thought appropriate given the circumstances of the case.  Following discussions with the trade, the Licensing Committee had resolved to approve this approach if a specific request was made.  Fees for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers and Operators had been reviewed in light of these changes and would, if approved, come into effect from 1^st October 2015 other than for the exceptions detailed in the report.

In response to questions from Commissioners, it was noted that the proposed fees had been prepared to ensure full cost recovery, taking into the account case law that fees must be reasonable and proportionate and the costs of enforcement could not be recovered.  After due consideration, the Cabinet approved the proposed fees as recommended in the report.

Resolved –  That the proposed fees set out in paragraph 5.9 of the report be approved.