This report before Members gave background information to enable them to consider an application received via the Taxi Trade Consultative Group (TTCG) for an increase in the maximum fares permitted to be charged by licensed Hackney Carriage Vehicles within the Borough of Brentwood.

Details of charges made by other Essex Authorities were provided for benchmarking purposes only and  Members were reminded that their decision needed to be made on local circumstances only. 

Members discussed the proposed charges and expressed concern at the large increase in relation to current charges.

Cllr Barrett MOVED recommendation 2.1a) in the agenda:

That Members agree in principle the increase in the maximum fare/tariff as attached at Appendix A, to be advertised in accordance with the relevant legislative requirements; and that the increased tariff should come into force at the end of a period of 14 days from the first date of advertisement if no objections are received; or be reported back to Licensing Committee for further determination on 11 November 2014 if one or more objections are received.

There was no SECONDER.

Cllr Reed MOVED and Cllr Russell SECONDED recommendation 2.1b) and it was RESOLVED:

That Members refuse the application to increase the fare tariffs at this time in favour of retaining the current table of maximum fares/tariff as adopted in July 2011.

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