Agenda and minutes

1.1      There were no declarations of interest.

It was RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 14 December 2018 be confirmed and signed as a true record.

3.1      None received.

Licensing Officer

5.1   David Price, Licensing Officer presented Paper BLR/19/2 referring to a review of the current table of fares fixed for hackney carriages operating in the controlled zone of Babergh District and outlined the options under consideration.

5.2   Local authorities have the power to fix the maximum rates of fares for hackney carriages within their District by virtue of section 65 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

5.3   The Committee considered the two options set out in paragraph 2.1 of the report.

5.4   The Licensing Officer responded to Members’ questions in relation to the draft table of fares attached as Appendix A and how the tariff in Babergh compared to other Local Authorities in the region.

5.5   During the discussion it was noted that hackney carriage fares have not increased in Babergh since August 2016.

It was RESOLVED:

That the draft table of fares attached as Appendix A be approved. Further, that officers be instructed to proceed with the public consultation Notice advertising the variations.

Licensing Officer

6.1   David Price, Licensing Officer presented Paper BLR/19/3 advising the Committee of a proposal to create a new taxi rank in Sudbury.

6.2   The power for District Councils to appoint hackney carriage ranks is contained in Section 63(1) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

6.3   It was noted that prior to creating any such rank, or varying the number of taxis allowed there, the District Council must give notice to the chief officer of Police and also undertake a 28 day consultation exercise.

6.4   The Licensing Officer responded to Members’ questions in relation to the location and size of the proposed taxi rank.

6.5   During the discussion, Members raised concerns regarding the loss of regular and disabled parking spaces in Sudbury and it was agreed that a letter be sent to Suffolk County Council Highways outlining these concerns.

It was RESOLVED:

That a public consultation exercise, as detailed in the report, be undertaken on the proposal to create the appointed new taxi rank on King Street, Sudbury.