Agenda Document Pack - Licensing Committee - 05/02/2025
Moray Council · 5 February 2025
Back to Licensing Committee — 5 February 2025 and its agenda
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Licensing Committee Wednesday, 05 February 2025 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Meeting of the Licensing Committee is to be held at Council Chambers, Council Office, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX on Wednesday, 05 February 2025 at 09:30. BUSINESS 1. Sederunt 2. Declaration of Group Decisions and Members Interests * 3. Minute of the meeting held 4 September 2024 5 - 6 4. Written Questions ** 5. Mandatory Review of Taxi Fares and Charges Report by Depute Chief Executive (Education, Communities and Organisational Development) 7 - 38 Watching the Meeting You can watch the webcast live by going to: http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_43661.html Webcasts are available to view for 1 year following the meeting. You can also attend the meeting in person, if you wish to do so, please come to the High Street entrance door and a member of staff will be let into the building. Page 1
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GUIDANCE NOTES * Declaration of Group Decisions and Members Interests - The Chair of the meeting shall seek declarations from any individual or political group at the beginning of a meeting whether any prior decision has been reached on how the individual or members of the group will vote on any item(s) of business on the Agenda, and if so on which item(s). A prior decision shall be one that the individual or the group deems to be mandatory on the individual or the group members such that the individual or the group members will be subject to sanctions should they not vote in accordance with the prior decision. Any such prior decisions will be recorded in the Minute of the meeting. ** Written Questions - Any Member can put one written question about any relevant and competent business within the specified remits not already on the agenda, to the Chair provided it is received by the Proper Officer or Committee Services by 12 noon two working days prior to the day of the meeting. A copy of any written answer provided by the Chair will be tabled at the start of the relevant section of the meeting. The Member who has put the question may, after the answer has been given, ask one supplementary question directly related to the subject matter, but no discussion will be allowed. No supplementary question can be put or answered more than 10 minutes after the Council has started on the relevant item of business, except with the consent of the Chair. If a Member does not have the opportunity to put a supplementary question because no time remains, then he or she can submit it in writing to the Proper Officer who will arrange for a written answer to be provided within 7 working days. Page 3
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THE MORAY COUNCIL Licensing Committee SEDERUNT Councillor Paul McBain (Chair) Councillor Peter Bloomfield (Depute Chair) Councillor James Allan (Member) Councillor Neil Cameron (Member) Councillor Theresa Coull (Member) Councillor John Divers (Member) Councillor Jérémie Fernandes (Member) Councillor Donald Gatt (Member) Councillor David Gordon (Member) Councillor Juli Harris (Member) Councillor Marc Macrae (Member) Councillor Ben Williams (Member) Clerk Name: Lindsey Robinson Clerk Telephone: 07966 120593 Clerk Email: committee.services@moray.gov.uk Page 4
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MORAY COUNCIL Minute of Meeting of the Licensing Committee Wednesday, 04 September 2024 Council Chambers, Council Office, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX PRESENT Councillor James Allan, Councillor Peter Bloomfield, Councillor Neil Cameron, Councillor Tracy Colyer, Councillor Theresa Coull, Councillor John Divers, Councillor Jérémie Fernandes, Councillor Donald Gatt, Councillor Juli Harris, Councillor Paul McBain, Councillor Kathleen Robertson, Councillor Ben Williams IN ATTENDANCE Sean Hoath, Senior Solicitor; Jennifer Smith, Legal Advisor; Lindsey Robinson, Committee Services Officer, all Moray Council, and PC Kevin Skivington, Police Scotland 1. Chair Councillor Paul McBain, as Chair of the Licensing Committee, chaired the meeting. 2. Declaration of Group Decisions and Members Interests * In terms of Standing Order 21 and 23 and the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, there were no declarations from Group Leaders or Spokespersons in regard to any prior decisions taken on how Members will vote on any item on the agenda or any declarations of Member’s interests in respect of any item on the agenda. 3. Resolution The Meeting resolved that under Section 50A (4) and (5) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, as amended, the public and media representatives be excluded from the meeting for Item 7 of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information of the class described in the relevant Paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act. Paragraph Number of Minute Paragraph Number of Schedule 7a and Reason 7 14 - Information relating to any action taken in connection with the prevention, investigation, or prosecution of crime. 4. Minute of the meeting held 19 June 2024 The minute of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 19 June 2024 was submitted and approved. 5. Written Questions ** The Committee noted that no written questions had been submitted. Item 3. Page 5
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6. Short Term Lets The meeting had before it a report by the Depute Chief Executive (Education, Communities and Organisational Development) presenting to the Committee for approval, the documents required for the provision of two new application types, within the licensing regime for Short-Term Lets (STL) in Moray, being provisional licences and the transfer of licences as required by new amending legislation. During consideration, Councillor Harris sought clarification on what the cost of online applications would be and what the threshold number of applications would be to have this considered. In response, the Legal Advisor advised that she did not have to cots to hand but would get back to the Committee with them. She further advised that new applications could not be anticipated so it would be difficult to state a threshold number at the moment. Following consideration, the Committee unanimously agreed: i. to approve the package for each new licence type including application forms, fees and supporting documents produced at Appendix 1; and ii. to note that in accordance with the previously approved timetable for STL implementation, the statement of licensing policy will be reviewed and any revised policy presented to Committee for approval prior to October 2025. 7. Grant of a Private Hire Operator Licence - Case No. PHO-24-001 [Para 14] The meeting had before it a report by the Depute Chief Executive (Education, Communities and Organisational Development) asking the Committee to consider an application for the grant of a private hire operator licence received on 9 July 2024 subject to an objection received from a consultee. The Legal Advisor introduced the report and confirmed that the applicant had received all the paperwork. She further advised the Committee that this was for a Private Hire Operator licence not an application to be a driver. The Committee noted that the applicant was in attendance. The Chief Constable was represented by PC Kevin Skivington. On the invitation of the Chair, PC Skivington addressed the Committee and responded to questions from members. On the invitation of the Chair, the applicant addressed the Committee and responded to questions from members. Following consideration, Councillor Bloomfield, seconded by Councillor Cameron moved that the licence be granted and there being no one otherwise minded the Committee unanimously agreed to grant the licence. Page 6
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REPORT TO: LICENSING COMMITTEE ON 5 FEBRUARY 2025 SUBJECT: CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982 – MANDATORY REVIEW OF TAXI FARES AND CHARGES BY: DEPUTE CHIEF EXECUTIVE (EDUCATION, COMMUNITIES AND ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT) 1. REASON FOR REPORT 1.1 To invite the Committee to formulate a set of proposals for the maximum fares and charges applicable to taxis. There are no powers delegated to officers in this regard. 1.2 This report is submitted to Committee in terms of Section III F (1) of the Council's Scheme of Administration relating to the exercise of the function of the Council as licensing authority for the Moray Council area. 2. RECOMMENDATION 2.1 It is recommended that the Committee, in accordance with the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982:- (i) Considers the views expressed by taxi operators in the informal consultation process; (ii) Formulates a set of proposals for the maximum fares and charges applicable to taxis in Moray; (iii) Instructs the Head of Governance Strategy and Performance to conduct a formal consultation on those proposals as required by the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982; and (iv) Considers the views expressed in the formal consultation at its next scheduled meeting on 30 April 2025 in order to approve a revised fare structure for implementation on 30 May 2025. 3. BACKGROUND 3.1 In terms of section 17 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, the Council, as taxi licensing authority for the Moray Council area, is required to Item 5. Page 7
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review the fees and charges in connection with the hire of taxis within its area. The fare card (as it is known) requires to be reviewed within 18 months beginning with the date that the previous fare card came into effect. The previous fare card was implemented on 29 December 2022. The fares and charges set are the maximum that can be charged therefore a taxi operator may choose to charge less. The current maximum fares and charges, attached at APPENDIX 1, were agreed by the Committee at its meeting on 7 September 2022 (paragraph 6 of the Minute refers) and came into effect on 29 December 2022. A review should have been completed and new fare card implemented by 29 June 2024 however due to conflicting priorities and operational pressures it was not possible for officers to carry out the work involved with the review before now. Therefore the review must be completed and implemented as soon as possible after the Committee’s next scheduled meeting on 30 April 2025 ie 30 May 2025. The 30 May 2025 being the earliest implementation date possible following the meeting. 3.2 In reviewing the fares, and before setting new ones, the licensing authority is required to undertake the following process; • review the existing scales and propose new ones (whether at altered rates or the same rates); • carry out a formal consultation on those proposals by way of newspaper advertisement inviting any person to lodge representations in writing to the Council within one month of the date of publication of that advertisement and thereafter, consider any representations received and fix new maximum fares and charges; and • inform operators of the decision, implementation date and the right of appeal. 3.3 Although not a requirement, it has been past practice to precede this process with informal consultation with taxi operators, undertaken by officers within the Licensing and Regulatory team, that is then reported to Committee and used by it when formulating proposals for new fares and charges upon which the formal public consultation is carried out. Again, although not a requirement, practice has in the past also been for the formal consultation stage to include contact with Community Councils, Local Area Forums and taxi operators within the same timescale. 4 INFORMAL CONSULTATION WITH TAXI OPERATORS 4.1 There are currently 102 licensed taxi operators in Moray. As part of the informal consultation, officers within the Licensing and Regulatory team, approached all of them seeking their views on current fares and charges and any proposals for change. The informal consultation ran from 27 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. A small number (7) of responses have been received. Three of the responses are in favour of keeping the current taxi fare structure the same, while one response requested an increase across all rates and mileage. One response requested an increase of 50 pence for the first mile, and another requested a decrease in the distance charge and increase to some of the surcharges. Whilst the overall number of responses was small, of the 6 responses making constructive suggestions, half have Page 8
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requested that there is no change to the current taxi fare structure. These responses have been collated in APPENDIX 2 of this report. 5 PROPOSALS FOR MAXIMUM FARES AND CHARGES 5.1 The Committee is invited to formulate a set of proposals for the maximum fares and charges applicable to taxis in Moray, considering any responses received in the informal consultation process. 5.2 For the Committee’s information and consideration are the following: 5.3 The Taxi Fare Review history from October 2002 to December 2022 is attached at APPENDIX 3 of this report. 5.4 A report comparing the cost of fuel across the UK which accounts for the largest proportion of costs when running a vehicle is attached at APPENDIX 4. This report has been prepared by the Automobile Association (“the AA”) in March 2024. The AA produces this report annually during the month of March. While the report produced by the AA has no official status, it may be instructive for the purpose of this review. 5.5 Although the report produced by the AA provides the Committee with an indication of the cost of fuel, the Committee should also be mindful of standing charges and other running costs that relate to running a vehicle. These include the loss in value of a vehicle (depreciation), car insurance and car tax together with the day-to-day running costs of the vehicle which involves servicing, repairs, parking and tolls. Previously, the AA provided a summary of the various costs involved in running a vehicle however these reports are no longer available. As such, officers are unable to provide any reports that illustrate the current rates for standing charges and day-to-day running costs. The Committee is invited to give due consideration to the inevitable need to meet these costs taking into consideration the rising cost of goods and services in the UK illustrated in APPENDIX 10 and further discussed at clause 5.11. 5.6 The current fees (effective 1 April 2024) are: 5.7 Copies of the taxi fares and charges applicable in the Highland Council, Aberdeenshire Council and Aberdeen City Council areas are also produced for comparison purposes at APPENDICES 5, 6 and 7 respectively. Type Price Copy of a Licence £23 Replacement Badge £23 Taxi Booking Office (4 or more cars) £544 Taxi/Private Hire - Driver Grant £257 Taxi/Private Hire - Driver Renewal £208 Taxi/Private Hire - Vehicle (Operator) £446 Variation of any Taxi/Private Hire Licence £30 Licence Plates £23 non-refundable Vehicle Substitution £373 Page 9
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5.8 For illustrative purposes, based on the current maximum fares the cost of a standard 5 mile taxi journey in the Council area would be £17.16 (standard), £19.03 (late night) and £25.74 (festive period). In the Highland Council area (from 13 August 2024) the same journey (for up to 4 passengers) would cost £13.70 (standard), £16.70 (late night) and £25.20 (festive period). In the Aberdeenshire Council area (from 1 April 2023) the fare would be £14.00 (standard), £15.30 (late night) and £21.10 (festive period). In the Aberdeen City Council area the fare would be £13.60 (standard), £15.60 (late night) and £21.90 (festive). 5.9 Tables showing National Minimum Wages Rates and Wages in Moray are attached at APPENDIX 8 and APPENDIX 9 respectively. 5.10 The Consumer Price Index (CPI) continues to be a National Statistic and is a measure of consumer price inflation produced to international standards in line with European regulations. First published in 1997 as the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), the CPI is the inflation measure used in the Government’s target for inflation. The CPI is also used for purposes such as uprating pensions, wages and benefits and can aid in the understanding of inflation on family budgets. An extract table showing the Consumer Price Index change is shown in APPENDIX 10. The fuller bulletin is available using this link https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices/bulletins/consumerp riceinflation/november2024. 5.11 The CPI including owner occupiers’ housing costs (CPIH) rose by 3.5% in the 12 months to November 2024, up from 3.2% in the 12 months to October. On a monthly basis, CPIH rose by 0.2% in November 2024, compared with a fall of 0.1% in November 2023. The CPI rose by 2.6% in the 12 months to November 2024, up from 2.3% in the 12 months to October. On a monthly basis, CPI rose by 0.1% in November 2024, compared with a fall of 0.2% in November 2023. The largest upward contribution to the monthly change in both CPIH and CPI annual rates came from transport, with a further large upward effect in CPIH from housing and household services. Core CPIH (excluding energy, food, alcohol and tobacco) rose by 4.4% in the 12 months to November 2024, up from 4.1% in October; the CPIH goods annual rate rose from negative 0.3% to positive 0.4%, while the CPIH services annual rate rose from 5.6% to 5.7%. Core CPI (excluding energy, food, alcohol and tobacco) rose by 3.5% in the 12 months to November 2024, up from 3.3% in October; the CPI goods annual rate rose from negative 0.3% to positive 0.4%, while the CPI services annual rate was unchanged at 5.0%. 6 FORMAL CONSULTATIONS ON PROPOSALS 6.1 The Committee in invited to instruct the Head of Governance Strategy and Performance to proceed with a public consultation during the period 6 February 2025 to 20 March 2025 on its agreed proposals for the maximum fares and charges. The public consultation will be run online and issued to all existing contacts as well as advertised in local press. 6.2 The Committee is reminded that the fares set by the meter are the maximum fares that can be charged so taxi operators may and can choose to charge less. Page 10
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6.3 The matter will be brought back before the Committee on 30 April 2025 to enable the Committee to consider any responses to the formal consultation and fix the fare structure for implementation on 30 May 2025. In the event that there is no change to the current taxi fare structure, the implementation date will remain 30 May 2025 allowing sufficient time for officers to issue fare cards with new dates. 7 SUMMARY OF IMPLICATIONS (a) Corporate Plan and 10 Year Plan (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (LOIP)) The provisions of licensing directly relate to the priorities within the 10 Year plan (Moray 2026) in relation to a growing and diverse economy and safer and healthier communities. The various licensable activities within industry all aid a growing economy in terms of production, retail and the positive effects on tourism. Regulation of the licensed activities contributes to a safer community by ensuring those providing licensable goods and services are fit to do so. (b) Policy and Legal The legal implications of a fare review are outlined above. (c) Financial implications The costs associated with the review of taxi fares are outlays relating to advertising costs estimated to be approximately £400. This can be met from existing budgets. Any costs incurred by the Council’s Fleet Services department in relation to resealing the taxi meters (if necessary) will require to be met by taxi operators. The cost of recalibrating the taxi meters (if necessary) will also require to be met by taxi operators. (d) Risk Implications There are no risk implications arising from this report. (e) Staffing Implications The only staffing implication arising from this report is in terms of the time taken to undertake consultation, draft the newspaper adverts, compile the responses to the consultation, draft further Committee reports and notify taxi operators of the outcome of the review. Whilst the time is considerable, this can be met from existing resources. Assistance will be sought from officers within the Council’s PR and Community Engagement Services. (f) Property Page 11
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There are no anticipated property implications arising from this report. (g) Equalities/Socio Economic Impact An equalities impact assessment is not required in connection with this report. This is because one of the recommendations of this report is for a public consultation to be undertaken in relation to the taxi fare review. (h) Climate Change and Biodiversity Impacts None. (i) Consultations Taxi operators were invited to submit a response to the informal consultation. Proposals recommended by the Committee will form the basis of the formal consultation with taxi operators and the public through being advertised in the local press, online and issued to all existing contacts during the period 6 February 2025 to 20 March 2025. 8 CONCLUSION 8.1 Following the implementation of the fare card on 29 December 2022, the Council as licensing authority for Moray must begin the process of reviewing the fares, taking into consideration the relevant consultees views and determine whether the existing fare scales should be altered. In line with the licensing authority’s statutory duty this review process needs to be progressed. Author of Report: Jennifer Smith, Solicitor Background Papers: None Ref: JS Page 12
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THE MORAY COUNCIL CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982 LICENSING OF TAXIS AND PRIVATE HIRE CARS MAXIMUM CHARGES APPLICABLE TO HIRE OF TAXIS AND PRIVATE HIRE CARS FITTED WITH TAXI METERS EXTRAS (1) WAITING a sum calculated at the rate of £22.00 an hour. Waiting time to be charged 5 minutes after customer informed of arrival of taxi. (2) SURCHARGES (Only one surcharge can be charged for each journey) (a) For each hiring between 7.00 p.m. and 12 midnight on any day except Sundays, 24th 25th, 26th, 31st December and 1st and 2nd January a surcharge of £1.10. (b) For each hiring between 12 midnight and 7.00 a.m. on any day except 25th, 26th and 27th December, 1st, 2nd and 3rd January a surcharge of £1.87 applies. (c) For each hiring between 7.00 a.m. and 12 midnight on Sundays and Bank Holidays a surcharge of £1.65 applies. (d) For each hiring between 7.00 p.m. on 24th to 7.00 a.m. on 27th December inclusive and between 7.00 p.m. on 31st December to 7.00 a.m. on 3rd January inclusive a surcharge of 50% on the basic fare, subject to a minimum fare (after allowing for the surcharge) of £7.10. (3) For each hiring where more than four passengers are carried, a surcharge of 50% applies. (4) For each hiring pre booked, a surcharge of £0.55 applies. (5) A charge of £200.00 to every passenger fouling a taxi. Complaints: Any complaints regarding overcharging should be made in writing to the Moray Council Licensing department either by email to licensing@moray.gov.uk or by letter to Council Headquarters, High Street, Elgin IV30 1BX. The licence number of the vehicle or its driver and the name of the company (if any) should be quoted. ALASDAIR MCEACHAN Head of Governance, Strategy and Performance December 10 2022 Explanatory Notes 1. The Council is required to set maximum fares and charges for journeys in Taxis and Private Hire Cars fitted with Taximeters that it licences. Fares are reviewed at regular intervals of no more than 18 months. There is opportunity for the public and trade to participate in the setting on the levels of fares proposed in any review and taxi operators have the right to appeal against the fares and charges set down by the Council before they come into operation. 2. Please note that a taxi driver is not required to take you on a journey ending outside the Moray boundary. If the driver does agree to take you out with Moray, these maximum fares do not apply and it is up to you to reach agreement with the driver as to the fare. You should do this before you start. 3. The maximum fare you are required to pay is the sum calculated in accordance with the fares and charges above. These only apply within Moray. 4. If you are asked to pay VAT then this should be included as part of the fare and please ask for a proper VAT receipt. 5. It is up to you to decide whether you wish to give the driver a tip. 6. It is a criminal offence for you to take a taxi journey without having the money to pay EXCLUSIVE HIRE THE DISTANCE FARE a) For the first 1760 yards (1 Mile) £3.96 b) For every additional 176 yards or part thereof (1/10th of a Mile) 33p Item 5. Page 13
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APPENDIX 2 Comments received from Taxi Trade regarding Taxi Fare Review – Only 7 received / 100 sent Increase 3 suggested increasing the current fare card The Distance Fare 1 out of 7 responses requested an increase from £4 to £4.50 for first mile 1 out of 7 responses requested a decrease in distance charge and increase in the some of the Surcharges only 1 out of 7 responses requested an increase across all rates and mileage 3 out of the 7 requested no change the fare card 1 out of the 7 made no suggestion of actual charges Suggested New Tariffs Suggestion 1 Suggestion 2 Suggestion 3 THE DISTANCE FARE lower rate 1 to £3.95 and then 35p for every 1/10th of a mile. THE DISTANCE FARE 1. For the first 1760 yards (1 mile) £4.00. 2. For every additional 176 yards or part thereof (1/10th of a mile) 40p. No Change EXTRAS WAITING a sum calculated at the rate of £25.00 an hour. Waiting time to be charged 5 minutes after customer informed of arrival of taxi. – (This would be an increase from the current £22) SURCHARGES Suggestion 1 Suggestion 2 Suggestion 3 a. Rate 2 £4.95 - Lower Rate 2 to £4.95 then 35p for every 1/10th of a mile b. Rate 3 £5.95 - Increase rate 3 to £5.95 then 35p for every 1/10th of a mile. c. Rate 4 £5.95 - Increase rate 4 to £5.95 then 35p for every 1/10th of a mile. d. Xmas and new year rate should start at £7.50 (a) For each hiring between 7.00 pm and 12 midnight on any day except Sundays, 24th 25th 26th 31st December and 1st and 2nd January a surcharge of £1.20 applies. (b) For each hiring between 12 midnight and 7.00 am on any day except 25th 26th and 27th December and 1st 2nd and 3rd January a surcharge of £2.00 applies. (c) For each hiring between 7.00 am and 12 midnight on Sundays and Bank No Change Item 5. Page 15
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Holidays a surcharge of £1.60 applies. (d) For each hiring between 7.00 am on 24th December to 7.00 am on 27th December inclusive and between 7.00 am on 31st December to 7.00 am on 3rd January inclusive a surcharge of 50% on the basic fare, subject to a minimum fare (after allowing for the surcharge) of £7.50. 3.For each hiring pre booked, a surcharge of £1.00 applies. Full Responses: 1) Taxi fares are high enough as it is the amount of abuse and agro we endure with the current prices are bad enough without it being any higher , i think in the light of day you have to realistically sit and ask yourselves would you be happy paying over £200 to go to aberdeen £14 to go from bishopmill to new elgin the fares should be frozen for at least another year, 2) the taxi charges , again these are high enough they have went up a considerable amount over the last 10 years for the exact same processes being done , Mot pricing is now £65.50 for the exact same time it takes to do a standard mot, Trying to get mot dates can be a nightmare due to fleet having public bookings aswell where taxis should be prioritiosed over public as that is the only garage we are allowed to use and effectively they hold the key to our businesses being able to proivide the service . 3) The taxi vehicle checks that only seem to happen on the run up to christmas also need to be looked at that if you are going to do these checks at the busiest time of the year then the mot bay needs to be open suffecintly for operators to be able to get vehicles back on the road , we have over 20 vehicles and are already looking at down scaliong the amount of taxis we have due to the increase of all costs throught the business 4) the soiling charge is fare however we need some council support to be able to enforce it , there is absolutely no help nor backup for us when a customer is sick in a vehicle 9 times out of 10 we get told there not paying and they dont which leaves driver/company out of pocket in loss of earning and cleaning charges 5)Again minibus rates are high enough at present 6) in my personal opinion from a company point of view i would say all the fares and also charges for the taxi licensing etc is at an alltime high and in the current climate with the way prices of everything is and especially the large hit that majority have had to soak up on Page 16
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insurance rises currently i would say a freeze for a minimum year would be gladly accepted by all operators moray wide £4:50 for the flag would be a sensible increase as the minimum wage has went up and increased running costs across the board Would like to see an increase in line with inflation agreed for each year rather than a review every time. Be also good if any increase was rounded up or down so no pence are required to give customers changes Hi The rates should be. Rate 1 £3.95 Rate 2 £4.95 Rate 3 £5.95 Rate 4 £5.95 35p for every 176yds there after Xmas and new year rate should start at £7.50 lower rate 1 to £3.95 and then 35p for every 1/10th of a mile. - Rate 1 £3.95 Lower Rate 2 to £4.95 then 35p for every 1/10th of a mile - Rate 2 £4.95 Increase rate 3 & 4 to £5.95 then 35p for every 1/10th of a mile. - Rate 3 £5.95 Increase rate 5 so £3.96 + surcharge of £3.54 to make £7.50 then 35p for 1/10th of a mile. Also during December every Rate 4 should change to rate 5 like Aberdeen Council do. - Xmas and new year rate should start at £7.50 I personally think putting fares up again just now would be a bad idea.We already have to deal with customers complaining about the current prices so another rise won't do the taxi trade any favours at all.I think the way they are currently set is fair enough but even then its a hard job convincing customers they are currently getting a fair deal on the meter. Thanks for sending the email. Page 17
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I would prefer to think that the rates should be kept the same due to the increase on living costs. However, I also understand that the costs for the operators have increased. With the inconsistency of public transport in the region and to absorb the demand created due to this issue, I would suggest do not increase massively and ending up penalised those ones who need the service. These are the changes I would make to the Tariff card. The main change would be to remove the odd pence's from the charges. The other change would be to the Christmas and New Year charges so that drivers that work during the day 24th and 31st get the benefit of the prices too. Tariff Card EXCLUSIVE HIRE THE DISTANCE FARE 1. For the first 1760 yards (1 mile) £4.00. 2. For every additional 176 yards or part thereof (1/10th of a mile) 40p. EXTRAS 1. WAITING a sum calculated at the rate of £25.00 an hour. Waiting time to be charged 5 minutes after customer informed of arrival of taxi. 2. SURCHARGES (Only one surcharge can be charged for each journey) (a) For each hiring between 7.00 pm and 12 midnight on any day except Sundays, 24th 25th 26th 31st December and 1st and 2nd January a surcharge of £1.20 applies. (b) For each hiring between 12 midnight and 7.00 am on any day except 25th 26th and 27th December and 1st 2nd and 3rd January a surcharge of £2.00 applies. (c) For each hiring between 7.00 am and 12 midnight on Sundays and Bank Holidays a surcharge of £1.60 applies. (d) For each hiring between 7.00 am on 24th December to 7.00 am on 27th December inclusive and between 7.00 am on 31st December to 7.00 am on 3rd January inclusive a surcharge of 50% on the basic fare, subject to a minimum fare (after allowing for the surcharge) of £7.50. 3. For each hiring where more than four passengers are carried, a surcharge of 50% applies. 4. For each hiring pre booked, a surcharge of £1.00 applies. 5. A charge of £200.00 to every passenger fouling a taxi. In response to Taxi fare review. We currently run a fleet of nine plated vehicles, three of which are private hire and take pride in maintaining the standards set by Moray Council. Page 18
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If this is to continue it is crucial that the fare structure is reviewed fairly to allow operators the ability to maintain high standards and service to the general public. With ever decreasing margins the challenge and viability of operating this service will become questionable. Taxi operators unfortunately cannot award themselves an increase to reflect cost increases and are totally dependent on the council to do so. No viable business can afford to absorb these increases. Page 19
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APPENDIX 3 FARE REVIEW HISTORY December 2022 Increased fares and charges applied. June 2021 No change to fares and charges December 2019 No change to fares and charges. June 2018 Increased fares and charges applied. April 2017 No change to fares and charges. August 2015 No change to fares and charges. February 2014 Increased charges were applied August 2012 Increased fares and charges were applied February 2011 Increased fares and charges were applied August 2009 no change to fares and charges but premium rate period extended February 2008 no change to fares and charges August 2006 Increased fares and charges applied November 2004 No change to fares or charges October 2002 Increased fares and charges were applied Note - The requirement for a Fare review is at least every 18 months Item 5. Page 21
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Fuel price report (March 2024) Unleaded prices have risen from 143.5 p/litre last month to 145.3 p/litre now. Diesel prices have gone up from 152.5 p/litre to 153.9 p/litre. The price difference between diesel and unleaded has shrunk to 8.6 p/litre. London has recorded the highest price for unleaded at 146.7 p/litre. Northern Ireland has recorded the lowest price for unleaded at 139.1 p/litre. London has recorded the highest diesel price at 154.8 p/litre. Northern Ireland has the cheapest diesel at 148.1 p/litre. Supermarket prices for unleaded now average 142.2 p/litre. The gap between supermarket prices and the UK average for unleaded has grown to 3.1 p/litre. Garages and Supermarkets Unleaded 95 Octane (pence) Diesel (pence) Super Unleaded (pence) LPG (pence) litres (gallons) litres (gallons) litres (gallons) litres Northern Ireland 139.1 632.4 148.1 673.3 148.6 675.5 89.9 Scotland 144.9 658.7 153.3 696.9 161.2 732.8 99.7 Wales 144.2 655.5 152.8 694.6 157.7 716.9 0.0 North East 144.3 656.0 152.6 693.7 161.5 734.2 99.8 North West 145.0 659.2 153.3 696.9 159.6 725.6 99.7 Yorkshire & Humberside 144.5 656.9 152.8 694.6 160.3 728.7 99.7 West Midlands 145.6 661.9 153.3 696.9 161.2 732.8 0.0 East Midlands 145.4 661.0 153.5 697.8 161.5 734.2 0.0 Essex and East Anglia 145.9 663.3 153.5 697.8 161.2 732.8 0.0 London 146.7 666.9 154.8 703.7 163.9 745.1 0.0 South East 146.1 664.2 154.6 702.8 162.6 739.2 99.9 South West 145.2 660.1 153.2 696.5 160.8 731.0 0.0 UK AVERAGE 145.3 660.5 153.9 699.6 161.7 735.1 98.3 Per cent taken as Tax 53.1 51.1 49.4 Supermarkets Unleaded 95 Octane Diesel Super unleaded LPG Litres (gallons) litres (gallons) litres (gallons) litres SUPERMARKET AVERAGE 142.2 646.5 151.3 687.8 151.0 686.5 99.8 Per cent taken as Tax 53.9 51.7 51.7 The AA’s fuel price report uses data sourced from Experian Catalist (www.catalist.com) They’re an average of mid-month prices from the respective regions. Item 5. Page 23
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Fuel price report (March 2024) EUROPE AND THE USA Sources of overseas price comparisons: European prices • ec.europa weekly oil bulletins (4 April 2024) • TCS Information Services (5 April 2024) USA prices • Energy Information Administration, US Dept. of Energy (18 March 2024) Local Currency per litre UK pence per litre Country Currency Unleaded Diesel Unleaded Diesel Austria Euro 1.64 1.68 140.54 144.14 Belgium Euro 1.72 1.83 147.32 156.92 Czech Republic Czech Koruna 38.50 38.53 130.35 130.46 Denmark Danish Krone 15.36 13.00 176.67 149.53 Finland Euro 1.90 1.76 163.18 151.51 France Euro 1.89 1.74 162.17 148.95 Germany Euro 1.94 1.71 166.81 146.55 Greece Euro 1.63 1.64 139.66 141.10 Netherlands Euro 2.05 1.80 176.25 154.36 Hungary Forint 627.72 647.84 138.13 142.56 Ireland Euro 1.74 1.73 149.00 148.86 Italy Euro 1.89 1.79 162.02 153.93 Luxembourg Euro 1.63 1.56 139.76 133.67 Estonia Euro 1.78 1.60 152.98 137.02 Norway Norwegian Krone 23.53 21.17 174.00 156.55 Latvia Euro 1.71 1.67 146.63 143.11 Lithuania Euro 1.52 1.53 130.62 131.46 Poland Zloty 6.56 6.77 131.47 135.68 Slovakia Euro 1.66 1.57 142.08 134.78 Slovenia Euro 1.52 1.55 130.10 133.28 Portugal Euro 1.80 1.62 154.19 139.08 Spain Euro 1.65 1.54 141.30 132.37 Sweden Swedish Krona 18.89 18.68 140.97 139.41 Switzerland Swiss Francs 1.90 1.99 166.20 174.07 United States of America US Dollars 0.91 1.06 72.09 83.97 Malta Euro 1.34 1.21 115.04 103.88 Bulgaria Leva 2.60 2.69 114.02 117.97 Cyprus Euro 1.51 1.59 129.78 136.66 Romania New Leu 7.19 7.43 124.13 128.28 Page 24
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THE HIGHLAND COUNCIL REVIEW OF TAXI FARES In accordance with the requirements of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, the Highland Council has reviewed the maximum level of charges for the hire of Taxis or Private Hire Cars fitted with Taxi Meters. With effect from 13 August 2024, the maximum fares will be as follows:- Tariff 1: Applies to vehicles carrying up to 4 passengers, except when a higher tariff applies. • For the first 785 yards or part; or £3.70 The initial period of waiting time of 119 seconds; or A combination of time and distance as above • For each additional 82 yards or part; or .10p Each additional period of waiting time of 14 seconds; or A combination of additional time and distance as above General effect – the price of a hire £4.90 for the first mile plus £2.20 per mile thereafter plus extras* Tariff 2: Applies to vehicles carrying up to 4 passengers on Good Friday, Easter Monday or May Day and, except when a higher tariff applies, between 9.00pm and 7.00am on any day and all day on Saturday and Sunday. When 5 or more passengers are being carried, it also applies at any time of any day or night, except where a higher tariff applies. • For the first 560 yards or part; or £ 4.00 The initial period of waiting time of 119 seconds; or A combination of time and distance as above • For each additional 65 yards or part; or .10p Each additional period of waiting time of 14 seconds; or A combination of additional time and distance as above General effect – the price of a hire £5.90 for the first mile plus £2.70 per mile thereafter plus extras* Tariff 3: Applies between 6am and midnight on both Boxing Day and 2nd January. When 5 or more passengers are being carried, and except where Tariff 5 applies, it also applies between 9.00pm and 7.00am, all day on Saturday and Sunday and on Good Friday, Easter Monday and May Day. • For the first 444 yards or part £ 4.70 The initial period of waiting time of 119 seconds; or A combination of time and distance as above • For each additional 54 yards or part .10p Each additional period of waiting time of 14 seconds; or A combination of additional time and distance as above General effect – the price of a hire £7.20 for the first mile plus £3.30 per mile thereafter plus extras* Item 5. Page 25
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Tariff 4: Applies to vehicles carrying up to 4 passengers at any time between 6.00pm on Christmas Eve and 6.00am on Boxing Day and between 6.00pm on New Year’s Eve and 6.00am on 2 January. • For the first 444 yards or part; or £4.70 The initial period of waiting time of 119 seconds; or A combination of time and distance as above • For each additional 41 yards or part, or .10p Each additional period of waiting time of 14 seconds; or A combination of additional time and distance as above General effect – the price of a hire: £8.00 for the first mile plus £4.30 per mile thereafter plus extras* Tariff 5: Applies to vehicles carrying 5 or more passengers at any time between 6.00pm on Christmas Eve and 6.00am on Boxing Day and between 6.00pm on New Year’s Eve and 6.00am on 2 January. • For the first 444 yards or part; or £4.70 The initial period of waiting time of 119 seconds; or A combination of time and distance as above • For each additional 32 yards or part, or .10p Each additional period of waiting time of 14 seconds; or A combination of additional time and distance as above General effect – the price of a hire: £8.90 for the first mile plus £5.50 per mile thereafter plus extras* *Extra Charges • Booking ahead e.g. by telephone £1.00 • Any bridge tolls or ferry charges, where applicable. • Any airport car parking charges (Only chargeable on production of a receipt to the hirer) In addition, a supplementary booking charge may be applied to compensate for the cost of the outward journey. The maximum charge shall be the actual cost at the tariff which applies at the time of travelling between the starting location of the taxi and the pick-up point or drop-off point. This booking charge is in addition to the fare chargeable at the appropriate tariff for the journey from the pick-up point to the drop-off point. This charge may only be demanded if the customer is informed of the amount of the charge at the time of booking. When a taxi (or a private hire car fitted with a taxi meter) is called but not used, a charge shall be allowed as if it had been occupied from the time it left the stance or garage. Soiling Charge – maximum of £150.00 payable by an offending passenger, where a vehicle requires to be removed from service for cleaning in order for it to be restored to a usable state and condition. Luggage Charge – A maximum charge of £5.00 be introduced for the carriage of bulky items which cannot be reasonably accommodated in the boot of the vehicle being hired. This charge may only be demanded if the customer is informed of the amount of the charge at the time of booking. For the avoidance of any doubt, this will not apply to any items designed to assist the mobility of users such as wheelchairs or walking aids. Page 26
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APPENDIX 6 Current Fare Scale – 1 April 2023 Fare Scale (From 1st April 2023) Standard 10 pm to 6 am 1. Festive Season 2. The FIRST 880 YARDS or part thereof £3.00 £4.30 £4.60 Each additional 1/11th part of a mile or part thereof £0.22 £0.22 £0.33 Waiting: 11 pence per 10 seconds 10 seconds 10 seconds 1. The late-night scale applies Mondays – Thursdays and also applies at weekends between 1800 on Fridays until 0600 on Mondays 2. The late-night scale applies to Public Holidays also from 0600 to 2200. Public Holidays are defined as 3 January, Good Friday, and May Day Public Holiday. 3. The Festive Season tariff applies to each hiring between 1800 Hrs 24 December until 0600 Hrs 27 December, between 1800 Hrs 31 December until 0600 Hrs 3 January and also during any weekend days in December only between the hours of 1800 Hrs each Friday until 0600 each Sunday. 4. In vehicles so licensed carrying more than four passengers, a surcharge of 50% of the above fares may be charged. Booking Fee - £0.50 Airport Booking Fee – Taxi Drivers may add any current charge incurred at Airports when either dropping off or picking up passengers. Drivers must make passengers aware in advance that extra charges may be added to the fare. Booking Fees to be shown on the meter NOTE Passengers are carried on the understanding that the Driver may charge a passenger creating an unacceptable mess in the Taxi a maximum of £100 Item 5. Page 27
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Taxi fares 2024 The maximum charges for taxis and private hire cars fitted with taxi meters are detailed below. Related Content Taxi licence Taxi driver licence Private hire car licence Private hire car driver licence Licensing Basic tariff Time Distance Fare 8am - 8pm Monday - Friday First 987 yards £3.00 For every additional 146.5 yards (Time locked in meter) £0.20 8pm - 8am Monday - Friday 7 All day Saturday & Sunday (except 2am - 5am) First 987 yards £5.00 For every additional 146.5 yards £0.20 2am - 5am Saturday & Sunday First 987 yards £6.00 For every additional 146.5 yards £0.20 Christmas 24/12 8pm - 27/12 5am & New Year 31/12 8pm - 03/01 5am First 987 yards £6 For every additional 146.5 yards £0.30 Back to top APPENDIX 7 Item 5. Page 29
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Extras: waiting and surcharges Waiting Standard- A sum calculated at the rate of £0.20 every 26.4 Seconds Christmas & New Year- A sum calculated at the rate of £0.30 every 26.4 Seconds Surcharges For each hiring pre-booked. £1.00 Airport Fees: • Drop-Off Charge- As per current barrier value according to local signage • Pick-Up At Airport- As per current barrier value according to local signage, chargeable from time of booking • Airport Taxis- As per current barrier value charged to the driver by Airport Authority For each hiring commencing at Aberdeen Railway Station (Railway Taxis Only) £1.00 A charge of £60 per incident of fouling a taxi. Back to top Explanatory notes 1. The Council is required to set a maximum amount that can be charged for journeys in Taxis and Private Hire Cars fitted with Taximeters which it licences. Fares are reviewed at regular intervals to take into account of the operational costs of the vehicle and the driver’s time, to allow the operator to make a reasonable return and to encourage the operation of taxis. Comparisons are made with taxi fares in other areas of the UK. There is opportunity for the public and trade to participate in the setting on the levels of fares proposed and taxi operators have the right to appeal against the Tariff set down by the Council before it comes into operation. 2. Please note that a taxi driver is not required to take you on a journey ending outside the city boundary. Typical Destinations in the City – Aberdeen Airport, Bridge of Don, Cove, Dyce, Kingswells and Peterculter. Outwith the City – Banchory, Blackburn, Ellon, Kemnay, Kintore, Inverurie, Oldmeldrum, Portlethen, Stonehaven and Westhill. If the driver does agree to take you outwith the city, these maximum fares do not apply and it is up to you to reach agreement with the driver as to the fare. You should do this before you start. 3. If you have booked a taxi to arrive at a particular time and keep it waiting, the driver can start the meter running once he has made his presence known to you and you can be charged at the maximum Waiting Time Rate shown on the Tariff. Page 30
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4. The taximeter contains an electronic clock and calendar and calculates the correct fare based on the date, time of day and distance travelled. If the vehicle’s speed falls below a predetermined speed, the taximeter will automatically switch over from calculating the fare based on the distance travelled to a calculation based on the time spent in the vehicle. You will be able to see the fare mounting up on the taxi meter as the vehicle goes along. 5. The driver is required to take you to your destination by the shortest or quickest practicable route. 6. The maximum fare you are required to pay is the sum calculated in accordance with the Tariff overleaf. 7. Please note that - (1) The fare payable may differ for the same journey on different days if the taxi has been held up in traffic and (2) a very short journey may be relatively expensive, due to the way the meter works. The fare will also vary depending on whether the trip was during the evening, early Saturday or Sunday morning or during certain public holidays. 8. If you are asked to pay VAT on the fare, please ask for a proper VAT receipt. 9. It is up to you to decide whether you wish to give the driver a Tip. 10. It is a criminal offence for you to take a taxi journey without having the money to pay for it. Page 31
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APPENDIX 8 Current rates 2024 21 and over Apprentice April 2024 (current rate) £11.44 £6.40 April 2025 £12.21 £7.55 Previous Rates 2022 These hourly wage rates are for the National Living Wage (for those aged 23 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age). The rate is reviewed annually on April 1st. Date 23 and over 21 to 22 18 to 20 Under 18 Apprentice From 1 April 2022 £9. £9.18 £6.83 £4.81 £4.81 Item 5. Page 33
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APPENDIX 9 Table 8.7a Annual pay - Gross (£) - For full-time employee jobs: United Kingdom, 2024 and 2023 Description Code 2024 Median Provisional Annual percentage change 2023 Median Revised Annual percentage change United Kingdom K02000001 37,430 6.9 35,004 5.9 Great Britain K03000001 37,521 6.9 35,105 5.9 England and Wales K04000001 37,474 6.9 35,046 5.8 England E92000001 37,617 6.9 35,194 5.8 Scotland S92000003 38,286 7.7 35,549 6.7 Aberdeen City S12000033 38,242 6.3 35,982 11.9 Aberdeenshire S12000034 40,368 8.1 37,355 7.3 Angus S12000041 32,953 -3.9 34,290 9.1 Argyll and Bute S12000035 34,307 4.6 32,793 11.1 Clackmannanshire S12000005 38,781 x Dumfries and Galloway S12000006 34,492 7.8 31,989 13.3 Dundee City S12000042 34,000 11.0 30,628 5.4 East Ayrshire S12000008 37,260 8.1 34,470 East Dunbartonshire S12000045 43,995 9.6 40,133 1.4 East Lothian S12000010 38,888 12.6 34,523 -0.9 East Renfrewshire S12000011 42,841 -4.6 44,917 2.9 City of Edinburgh S12000036 40,038 9.1 36,706 5.3 Falkirk S12000014 36,323 7.1 33,919 3.0 Fife S12000047 37,472 8.2 34,627 11.7 Glasgow City S12000049 36,100 4.2 34,639 5.9 Highland S12000017 38,823 7.6 36,073 10.0 Inverclyde S12000018 35,581 x Midlothian S12000019 40,072 13.9 35,168 7.9 Moray S12000020 34,849 3.5 33,670 Na h-Eileanan Siar S12000013 39,345 -2.1 40,191 43.8 North Ayrshire S12000021 37,900 6.8 35,474 5.4 North Lanarkshire S12000050 38,581 9.4 35,275 4.5 Orkney Islands S12000023 40,942 11.4 36,760 2.0 Perth and Kinross S12000048 39,981 x Renfrewshire S12000038 37,883 6.0 35,734 1.1 Scottish Borders S12000026 35,732 10.0 32,489 8.2 Shetland Islands S12000027 43,658 -1.9 44,485 16.5 South Ayrshire S12000028 43,458 16.3 37,379 5.2 South Lanarkshire S12000029 39,409 5.0 37,524 10.4 Stirling S12000030 40,122 11.2 36,079 6.1 West Dunbartonshire S12000039 36,928 8.5 34,044 4.5 West Lothian S12000040 38,195 4.2 36,649 10.2 Item 5. Page 35
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Table 1: CPIH, OOH component and CPI index values, and annual and monthly rates, UK APPENDIX 10 November 2023 to November 2024 CPIH Index (UK, 2015 = 100) CPIH 12- month rate (%) CPIH 1- month rate (%) CPI Index (UK, 2015=100 ) CPI 12- month rate (%) CPI 1- month rate (%) OOH Index (UK, 2015=100 ) OOH 12- month rate (%) 2023 Nov 130.0 4.2 -0.1 131.7 3.9 -0.2 121.1 5.3 Dec 130.5 4.2 0.4 132.2 4.0 0.4 121.6 5.3 2024 Jan 130.0 4.2 -0.4 131.5 4.0 -0.6 122.1 5.4 Feb 130.8 3.8 0.6 132.3 3.4 0.6 123.2 6.0 Mar 131.6 3.8 0.6 133.0 3.2 0.6 123.9 6.3 Apr 132.2 3.0 0.5 133.5 2.3 0.3 124.6 6.6 May 132.7 2.8 0.4 133.9 2.0 0.3 125.3 6.7 Jun 133.0 2.8 0.2 134.1 2.0 0.1 126.1 6.8 Jul 132.9 3.1 0.0 133.8 2.2 -0.2 126.9 7.0 Aug 133.4 3.1 0.4 134.3 2.2 0.3 127.7 7.1 Sep 133.5 2.6 0.1 134.2 1.7 0.0 128.5 7.2 Oct 134.3 3.2 0.6 135.0 2.3 0.6 129.5 7.4 Nov 134.6 3.5 0.2 135.1 2.6 0.1 130.5 7.8 Source: Consumer price inflation from the Office for National Statistics Item 5. Page 37
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