Issue - meetings

The Committee received a report from Mike Smith, Senior Specialist for Licensing and Community Safety.  The Committee noted that the methodology had been previously approved.  The fees and charges were normally calculated annually to adjust for any rises and increases in costs.  The Committee was asked to approve the fees and charges for public consultation, and should any objections be received, these would be considered by the Licensing Committee at their meeting in September.  A few changes to the fees and charges were proposed such as an increase to the vehicle licences, a decrease to the driver licence and an increase to the operating licence fee.  The breakdown of the fees and charges comprise of three elements, officer time, support services charged to the licensing cost centres and an adjustment for a surplus and deficit carried forward.  Should any objections be received, these would be considered by the Licensing Committee at their meeting in September.  If no objections are received, the fees and charges will take effect from October.   

The Committee received a query as to whether this was the start of the consultation with the trade.  The Senior Specialist for Licensing and Community Safety, Mike Smith confirmed that the fees and charges for consideration are what was charged for licensing applications.  There was a statutory consultation process which included placing a notice in the local newspaper and notify the trade via newsletters.    

The Committee having discussed the report;

RESOLVED that the Taxi and Private Hire Fees and Charges for 2022-23, be approved for public consultation as per the legal requirements, to take effect from 3 October 2022 should no objections be received.