Item 10 - Taxi Fare Review Update
West Dunbartonshire Council · 19 February 2025
Back to Licensing Committee — 19 February 2025 and its agenda
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Regulatory & Regeneration Licensing Committee – 19 February 2025 Subject: Taxi fare review update 1 Purpose 1.1 To advise Members of the Licensing Committee on the outcome of a consultation in relation to the Licensing Section’s practice in relation to taxi fare reviews. 2 Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that Members:- (a) note the consultation responses received from holders of taxi operator licences; and (b) approve the taxi fare review procedure outlined at Appendix 1. 3 Background 3.1 At its meeting of 9 October 2024, the Licensing Committee considered a proposal from officers that when consulting on the review of taxi fares for either the Clydebank or Dumbarton and Vale Leven zones, the Licensing Section consult with any person or body who can demonstrate that they represent at least 10% of all taxi operator licence holders in the zone as well as any persons or organisations previously recognised by the Committee as being representative of taxi operators. 3.2 Having considered matters, Members determined to authorise the Licensing Section to consult on the proposed change to its procedure when consulting on taxi fare reviews. 4 Main issues 4.1 Following the aforementioned meeting, the Licensing Section wrote to all taxi operator licence holders in West Dunbartonshire with details of the proposed change to the procedure around taxi fare reviews and asked for their views. A detailed response from Clydebank Taxis was received (see Appendix 2) and a short response from a Dumbarton and Vale of Leven taxi operator.
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4.2 Clydebank Taxis’ response details the challenges that it sees facing the taxi trade and proposes various changes to the tariff. These matters are irrelevant to the consultation at hand, however, it is noted that they do not seek to object to the approach proposed by the Licensing Section. There will be an opportunity for Clydebank Taxis to input into the tax fare review whether at an early stage should Members approve the revised procedure, or as part of the subsequent public consultation. 4.3 The response from the Dumbarton and Vale of Leven taxi operator did not oppose the revised procedure. 4.4 Should Members approve the revised procedure it will be utilised when the Licensing Section commences the review of the Clydebank taxi fares later this year. Further, the licence numbers set out in Appendix 1 will be updated prior to publication. 5 Options Appraisal 5.1 It is important that the licensing authority, when setting its taxi fares for either of its zones, has regard to the needs of the trade. As matters stand – prior to the public consultation - regard is given to the views of each zone’s trade association. The recommendation in this Report propose consultation with any licence holders that either hold or represent at least 10% of taxi operators in that zone. This will make sure that there is an opportunity for any views held by a significant number of taxi operators to be considered at the initial stage. 5.2 Revising the procedure demonstrates that the authority has had regard to feedback made through previous taxi fare reviews and will demonstrate that the authority has created a mechanism to allow any significant operator or representative to input into the process at the early stage. 6 People Implications 6.1 There are no personnel issues at this stage. 7 Financial and Procurement implications 7.1 There are no financial or procurement implications. 8 Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) 8.1 Screening 1068: Screened as not being relevant. This is a change to an existing policy to codify how a party can become a representative to be consulted. There is no change to the consultation process as it is set out in statute. The Council’s “Communicating Effectively” guidance will be adhered to making sure there is accessible and inclusive communication.
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9 Consultation 9.1 Taxi operators have been consulted. 10 Strategic Assessment 10.1 Licensing plays a key role to make sure our communities are resilient and thriving. Alan Douglas Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration 23 January 2025 Person to contact: Michael McDougall Manager of Legal Services michael.mcdougall@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: Appendix 1 – Revised procedure for taxi fare reviews Appendix 2 – Clydebank Taxi consultation response Background papers: Screening 1066 Wards affected: All