Meeting documents

The Table of Fares had last been considered by the Committee on 2 June 2011 when it was agreed that they should remain at their existing levels.

 

The report now before the Committee followed a fresh request from the Chiltern District Drivers’ Association (CDDA) for an increase in the Hackney Carriage Table of Fares, as detailed in the report.

 

The Hackney Carriage fares had last been increased on 1 November 2008, with a 10% increase bringing the cost of a two mile journey to £5.20.  This had followed a request from the CDDA after a significant increase in fuel prices in June 2008.  Since this time, motoring expenditure had fallen sharply with significant decreases in oil and fuel.  However, it was reported that fuel had again risen, and in February 2012 it had exceeded the 2008 high.

 

The report provided a table detailing the existing fares alongside increases in line with the Retail Price Index (3.9%), the Baxter index (6%), and the recommendations of the CDDA (approximately 12%).  Figures from the Drivers Association showing Chiltern’s tariffs in relation all other authorities, was circulated at the meeting.

 

The Committee also considered the movement of petrol and diesel prices over time; the movement of the Consumer Price Index, Retail Price Index, and Inflation; and the comparative costs in neighbouring authorities for a two-mile journey.  The report also detailed the various costs that could be considered for a typical driver in one year, including insurance, road tax, MOT, compliance test, CRB check, medical certificate and licence renewal.

 

It was noted that in the Private Hire Association League Tables of Fares, Chiltern was ranked 216^th out of 363 Councils nationally based on a two-mile journey.  The last time a fare increase had been considered, Chiltern was ranked 171^st.  It was noted that to restore Chiltern to this position would require a £0.20 increase on the existing two mile.  Members noted that this could be achieved by applying an RPI increase to the table of fares.  Officers considered that an increase of 4% would be appropriate, which was broadly in line with the Retail Price Index.

 

Members were mindful of the need to take into account the effect on those persons less able to afford the fares and who might not be able to access other forms of transport.  However, it was also necessary to acknowledge the increases in fuel, and that the RPI and Baxter indices indicated that an increase was appropriate.

 

A Member suggested that it would help the Committee when determining the Table of Fares if a formula based approach could be adopted which would provide a scientific basis for amending the Table of Fares.  The Head of Health and Housing advised that extensive quantitative data had been provided for the Committee to make a determination.  It was for the Committee to determine the weight given to the various information provided.  It was considered that using one formula would provide less quality data for Members.

 

On balance, the Committee agreed that a 4% increase would be appropriate.  Regarding concerns about the night-time rate charged in Chiltern compared to other authorities, it was noted that comparisons were difficult for anything other than the two-mile rate, due to variances in approach.  The Committee agreed that when the Table of Fares was considered again in 12 months time, all the tariffs and night rates be reviewed.

 

The Head of Health and Housing advised that the recommendation to increase fares by 4% would require the proposals to be advertised in the local press, in accordance with the legislative requirements.

 

A copy of the proposed Table of Fares would be sent to all Hackney Carriage licence holders and the trade organisation representing them.  If no objections were received the fares would automatically come in to effect on the advertised date.

 

If there were objections to the changes within the statutory period, they would be referred back to the Committee for further consideration.  The Committee would then make a final recommendation to the Head of Health & Housing on whether to confirm or amend the proposed changes to the Table of Fares, including the date it was to come in to force.

 

It was noted that the ‘extra charges’ section of the Hackney Carriage Fares Table, which had been agreed at the meeting on 24 November 2011 (Minute 17 refers) also required advertising, and this would be incorporated within the Table of Fares advert.  Regarding the Soiling Charge, which had been deferred at the meeting on 24 November, it was agreed that this be set at £100, and advertised with the extra charges.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.         That the Head of Health and Housing be requested to advertise a 4% increase in the Table of Fares.

 

2.         That the ‘Extra Charges’ section of the Hackney Carriage Table of Fares, as agreed at the meeting on 24 November 2011 and reproduced below - subject to the inclusion of a £100 Soiling Charge - be included in the advert.

 

i)          The ‘each passenger in excess of one’ charge be amended to reflect the following: “where the combined human and/or canine* passenger total exceeds four each additional passenger will be charged £1, regardless of journey day/time/duration/distance”.

* Assistance dogs shall not count towards this total.

 

ii)         The existing charge for each dog (excluding seeing and hearing dogs) shall be removed from the fares list.

 

iii)        The existing charge for shopping bags or luggage shall be removed from the fares list.

 

Note: Councillor N L Brown left the meeting at 8.02pm.