Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Lamb, Mitchell and Terry (no substitutes).

The following interests were declared at the meeting:

(i) Councillor Borton – Minute 542 (Revocation of Taxi Stand on Weston Road, Southend on Sea) – Husband is a Blue Badge holder; and

(ii) Councillor Shead – Minute 542 (Revocation of Taxi Stand on Weston Road, Southend on Sea) – Parents are Blue Badge holders.

Resolved:-

That the Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 23^rd March 2022 be received, confirmed as a correct record and signed.

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) that sought approval of the revocation of the taxi stand on the westbound carriageway of Weston Road, Southend on Sea and authorise the commencement of the statutory consultation process.

Resolved:-

1.  That the proposed revocation of the taxi-stand in Weston Road, Southend on Sea be approved and the proposal be advertised, implementing the statutory public consultation process.

2.  That any objections or representations made to the proposal during the statutory consultation process be submitted to the Licensing Committee for consideration.

3.  In the event that no objections or representations are received to the proposal during the consultation period, the revocation of the taxi stand in Weston Road be approved without the need to return to Committee.

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods & Environment) the results of a consultation with the Southend Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (SLTDA) for an increase in the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle fares and charges.

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 23 March 2022, the Committee authorised an emergency temporary increase in charges to address the dramatic increase in fuel prices (Minute 852 refers).  This increase was for a period of one year or the until an application is made by the trade for an increase. This temporary increase for the fuel surcharge would therefore cease should this application be approved and implemented.

The Committee was also reminded that, whilst this application was to seek the increase in fares for the passenger journey, there was a statutory requirement to advertise certain fees the taxi trade pay the Council for their licence.  This review and statutory advertising period would be commencing shortly after Christmas.

Resolved:-

1.  That the proposed changes to the fare chart structure be duly advertised. 

2.  That any objections to the proposed changes to the fare chart received during the statutory consultation period be submitted to the Licensing Committee for consideration.

3.  That, in the event that no objections are received during the statutory consultation period, the revised fare chart set out at Appendix 1 to the submitted report be approved and implemented.