Issue - meetings

Denise Andrews presented a report to Members for an increase in Hackney Carriage Fares. The purpose of the report was for Members to consider a request from the hackney carriage trade for an increase in hackney carriage fares. The report provided a table which informed Members of the proposed fares in comparison to the existing fares.

The application for increase in hackney carriage fares was a policy matter that needed to be considered by the Executive Member.

The Licensing Committee needed to consider the fare increase, and if supported would need to recommend the request being advertised.

Members were advised that increases in fares were only triggered by requests made from the trade. The last increase was in 2019 and the trade had borne the increases in fuel prices and overheads during this period.

Currently Blackburn with Darwen fares ranked 243 out of 345 listed authorities. The fare for a 2 mile journey on Tariff 1 was currently £6.30.

Where authorities had changed fares in 2022, for a 2 mile journey on Tariff 1 the fares ranged from £4.90 to £13.20. The proposal for Blackburn with Darwen is £6.77 for the 2 mile journey, which would be 7.5% increase.

The proposal was to also remove the increase of fare to Tariff 2 for Sundays and Bank Holidays (with the exception of Christmas and New year).

Members were advised that there are no financial implications for the Council apart from the fee for the advert. Users of hackney carriages would incur an increase in the cost of each journey undertaken.

RESOLVED - That the report to be agreed and recommended to the Executive Member.