Agenda item

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive;

a)    Approved an increase in fares in the Corby zone based upon the aligned fare tariff detailed in the public notice within Appendix A

Reason for Recommendation: The trade previously made representation that an increase in fares is required to ensure that the increased costs of running the service are covered. Since there were no objections received for the East, Kettering or Wellingborough zone, three aligned Table of Fares have been introduced in these areas. Full alignment of fares across all four zones is considered to be important, so that all residents within North Northamptonshire will be subject to the same maximum fare, regardless of where they reside or work.

Alternative Options Considered: The below options were considered for the Corby zone on 27^th September 2022 and can be reconsidered;

i)    To recommend the approval of the Corby Hackney Owners Association (CHOA) proposed increase in fare tariff

ii)   To recommend a different increase in fares

iii) Refuse any increase

The Chair, Cllr Jason Smithers invited Cllr Anne Lee to address the meeting. Cllr Lee stated that harmonisation of fares was a complex subject and the volume of objections to an increase in fares should be heard and taken into account. Cllr Lee requested that the 50% increase for hirings after 5am on Sundays be considered for removal.

The Chair thanked Cllr Lee for her contribution before inviting Cllr Mark Pengelly to address the meeting. Cllr Pengelly noted the uniqueness of Corby with regards to its usage of Hackney Carriages and noted the volume of objectors to the proposals. The increases would have an impact on residents during a cost-of-living crisis and he echoed the comments of Cllr Lee regarding the 50% increase for Sunday hirings.

The Chair thanked Cllr Pengelly for his comments and invited Cllr William Colquhoun to address the Executive. Cllr Colquhoun spoke to state that drivers charging under the maximum tariff could cause chaos for residents. Again, the volume of objections was referenced, with a review of the proposals required given the strength of opposition in Corby.  

Cllr Colquhoun was thanked for his comments, before the Chair welcomed Cllr Lyn Buckingham to the meeting to address the Executive. Cllr Buckingham echoed comments of earlier speakers, noting the unique role of taxis in Corby and that the comments of residents should be considered prior to any decision being made.

The Chair thanked Cllr Buckingham for her comments before inviting Cllr David Brackenbury, Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration to introduce a report that asked the Executive to consider objections received following the decision to agree fare increases made at the meeting held on 27^th  September 2022. The Executive was also asked to consider whether these increases should stand or be amended, noting that any revised Fares Tariff/Table of Fares recommended were the maximum amount that could be charged, with Hackney Carriage Proprietors being at liberty to charge a lower fare.

Cllr Brackenbury thanked the speakers at both Executive meetings where the matter had been considered for their input into the complex process of fare harmonisation. It was heard that a legitimate request had come forward from the trade for an increase in fares across the four former sovereign areas to cover increased motoring costs and the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis. A unified maximum fare structure would provide clarity and consistency for Hackney Carriage users across North Northamptonshire and would feed into a larger piece of work regarding harmonisation of taxi and Hackney Carriage policies.

Cllr Brackenbury noted the strength of feeling and the volume of objections from Corby and recognised the unity and organisation of the Corby Hackney Carriage Association and the special role Hackney Carriages played in the town. The Council wished to see the trade thrive, however it was considered that the fare increase was fair and reasonable, and drivers were under no obligation to charge the maximum tariff and could charge less than this maximum to reflect local circumstances.

Cllr Graham Lawman spoke to note that no objections had been received from any of the other former sovereign areas except Corby and noted the opportunity for drivers to charge less than the maximum if it was felt that there was an affordability issue for passengers.

The Chair spoke to thank Cllr Brackenbury and the team of officers for bringing a complex matter to a conclusion. The Chair noted the strength of local feeling on the matter, but also the need for a fare increase in the current financial climate.

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive;

a)    Approved an increase in fares in the Corby zone based upon the aligned fare tariff detailed in the public notice within Appendix A

Reason for Recommendation: The trade previously made representation that an increase in fares is required to ensure that the increased costs of running the service are covered. Since there were no objections received for the East, Kettering or Wellingborough zone, three aligned Table of Fares have been introduced in these areas. Full alignment of fares across all four zones is considered to be important, so that all residents within North Northamptonshire will be subject to the same maximum fare, regardless of where they reside or work.

Alternative Options Considered: The below options were considered for the Corby zone on 27^th September 2022 and can be reconsidered;

i)    To recommend the approval of the Corby Hackney Owners Association (CHOA) proposed increase in fare tariff

ii)   To recommend a different increase in fares

iii) Refuse any increase