Basingstoke & Dean Borough Council
Councillors:
54
Wards:
18
Committees:
22
Meetings (2025):
67
Meetings (2024):
72
Meeting
Licensing Committee - Basingstoke & Dean
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Monday, 4th November 2024
6:30 PM
Monday, 4th November 2024
6:30 PM
End:
Monday, 4th November 2024
9:30 PM
Monday, 4th November 2024
9:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
04 Nov 2024
04 Nov 2024
Location:
Council Chamber - Deanes
Council Chamber - Deanes
Webcast:
Available
Available
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Leader of the Conservative Group
Committee Member
Mayor
Committee Member
Chair of the Human Resources Committee
Committee Member
Reserve
Chair of the Audit and Accounts Committee
Reserve
Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Resident Services Committee
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence and substitutions
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillors T Jones and J Perry.
Councillors K Chatburn, A Freeman, and J Jones were absent.
Councillor A Mummalaneni, the Vice-Chair, chaired the meeting in the absence of Councillor T Jones.
Councillors K Chatburn, A Freeman, and J Jones were absent.
Councillor A Mummalaneni, the Vice-Chair, chaired the meeting in the absence of Councillor T Jones.
2
Declarations of interest
Minutes
There were no declarations of interest.
3
Urgent matters
To consider any items of business, other than those shown on this agenda and which, by reason of special circumstances to be stated at the meeting, in the opinion of the Chairman, should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.
Minutes
There were no urgent matters.
4
Minutes of the meeting held on 2 September 2024
The Chair will move that the minutes of the meeting be signed as a correct record. The only part of the minutes that can be discussed is their accuracy.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes of the meeting held on 2 September 2024 24 Oct 2024
Minutes
An amendment was requested to 6/24 to reflect the Cabinet Member for Resident Services and Housing’s commitment that the issues raised about security and CCTV in vehicles would be reviewed.
Subject to this amendment, the minutes of the meeting held on 2 September 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Vice-Chair.
Subject to this amendment, the minutes of the meeting held on 2 September 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Vice-Chair.
5
Adoption of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy 2024 - 2029 following consultation
Contact Officer: Robert Draper
This report is for the Licensing Committee to adopt the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy 2024 – 2029 following consultation.
This report is for the Licensing Committee to adopt the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy 2024 – 2029 following consultation.
Attachments:
- Document Report 24 Oct 2024
- Document Appendix 1 24 Oct 2024
- Document Appendix 2 24 Oct 2024
Minutes
The Regulatory Services Manager introduced the report, which requested the Committee to approve the draft Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy 2024 - 2029 following consultation.
The Regulatory Services Manager highlighted consultation feedback regarding safeguarding and disabled persons training, including concerns about inconvenient training times, inefficient course formats, and potential loss of earnings. It was confirmed that the requirement to complete the safeguarding and disabled persons training every three years would remain unchanged.
The Committee discussed the report and made the following comments:
Asked about the average age of drivers and its impact on retention. The Regulatory Services Manager confirmed that Hackney Carriage drivers were usually older than those in private hire. Expressed concern about the government’s decision not to extend the UK Plug-in Taxi Grant beyond April 2025 and asked if any Basingstoke drivers had accessed the grant. The Regulatory Services Manager confirmed that the scheme was accessible to drivers, and several in Basingstoke had participated.
Resolved:The Committee:
Adopts the draft Hackney Carriage and Private Hire policy 2024-2029. Delegates authority to the Regulatory Services Manager in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing Committee, to consider objections received and to make any necessary modification and set the date that the variation shall come into force.
The Regulatory Services Manager highlighted consultation feedback regarding safeguarding and disabled persons training, including concerns about inconvenient training times, inefficient course formats, and potential loss of earnings. It was confirmed that the requirement to complete the safeguarding and disabled persons training every three years would remain unchanged.
The Committee discussed the report and made the following comments:
Asked about the average age of drivers and its impact on retention. The Regulatory Services Manager confirmed that Hackney Carriage drivers were usually older than those in private hire. Expressed concern about the government’s decision not to extend the UK Plug-in Taxi Grant beyond April 2025 and asked if any Basingstoke drivers had accessed the grant. The Regulatory Services Manager confirmed that the scheme was accessible to drivers, and several in Basingstoke had participated.
Resolved:The Committee:
Adopts the draft Hackney Carriage and Private Hire policy 2024-2029. Delegates authority to the Regulatory Services Manager in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing Committee, to consider objections received and to make any necessary modification and set the date that the variation shall come into force.
6
Review of the Hackney Carriage Fares
Contact Officer: Robert Draper
The purpose of this report is to provide the Committee with a chance to approve the proposed tariff increase request and approve the public and trade consultation.
The purpose of this report is to provide the Committee with a chance to approve the proposed tariff increase request and approve the public and trade consultation.
Attachments:
- Document Report 24 Oct 2024
- Document Appendix 1 24 Oct 2024
- Document Appendix 2 24 Oct 2024
- Document Appendix 3 24 Oct 2024
- Document Appendix 4 24 Oct 2024
- Document Appendix 5 24 Oct 2024
- Document Appendix 6 24 Oct 2024
- Document Updated Report- Review of Hackney Carriage Fares 24 Oct 2024
Minutes
The Regulatory Services Manager presented the report, outlining the proposed tariff increase request. A request was received from the taxi trade to reconsider the current tariff with the initial suggestion to increase the flag fare by an additional pound.
Following a 14-day public consultation period, subject to no objections, the request would be referred to Cabinet for approval. If objections were received, the Committee would reconsider the proposals. The Regulatory Services Manager confirmed that, after discussions with the taxi trade, it was agreed to simplify the tariff calculations by using the tariff rate for a tenth of a mile.
The Committee discussed the report and made the following comments:
Clarified that the consultation period was set by central government and noted that 14 days was a very short timeframe. Requested clarification on why the flag rate remained unchanged despite an original request for a one pound increase, noting that other tariffs had been adjusted and requested an overview of the decision-making process. The Regulatory Services Manager explained that the tariff rate could be adjusted by changing the drop rate, rate per mile and mile subdivisions. As a result of consultation with the trade, it was agreed a £1 increase on the drop rate alone was simplistic. It was confirmed that adjustments were made to simplify the tariff and ensure balanced increases. Enquired about the national Hackney Carriage Fares table, in particular, the balance between affordable fares and service availability and questioned whether the proposed tariff would affect responsiveness at peak times. The Regulatory Services Manager stated that Basingstoke had more private hire vehicles than Hackney Carriages, due to the requirement for Hackney Carriage vehicles to be black cabs, wheelchair accessible, and have five seats. The restriction made it harder for new entrants but ensured high vehicle standards, including the introduction of hybrid electric vehicles.
Resolved: The Committee:
Considers the proposed fare increase and agree that proposals are put out to public consultation for a period of 14 days. If no objections are received or objections are received but are withdrawn, the table of fares will be referred to Cabinet for approval. If any objections are received, these will be considered by the Committee and after consideration and any necessary modifications made referred to Cabinet for approval.
Following a 14-day public consultation period, subject to no objections, the request would be referred to Cabinet for approval. If objections were received, the Committee would reconsider the proposals. The Regulatory Services Manager confirmed that, after discussions with the taxi trade, it was agreed to simplify the tariff calculations by using the tariff rate for a tenth of a mile.
The Committee discussed the report and made the following comments:
Clarified that the consultation period was set by central government and noted that 14 days was a very short timeframe. Requested clarification on why the flag rate remained unchanged despite an original request for a one pound increase, noting that other tariffs had been adjusted and requested an overview of the decision-making process. The Regulatory Services Manager explained that the tariff rate could be adjusted by changing the drop rate, rate per mile and mile subdivisions. As a result of consultation with the trade, it was agreed a £1 increase on the drop rate alone was simplistic. It was confirmed that adjustments were made to simplify the tariff and ensure balanced increases. Enquired about the national Hackney Carriage Fares table, in particular, the balance between affordable fares and service availability and questioned whether the proposed tariff would affect responsiveness at peak times. The Regulatory Services Manager stated that Basingstoke had more private hire vehicles than Hackney Carriages, due to the requirement for Hackney Carriage vehicles to be black cabs, wheelchair accessible, and have five seats. The restriction made it harder for new entrants but ensured high vehicle standards, including the introduction of hybrid electric vehicles.
Resolved: The Committee:
Considers the proposed fare increase and agree that proposals are put out to public consultation for a period of 14 days. If no objections are received or objections are received but are withdrawn, the table of fares will be referred to Cabinet for approval. If any objections are received, these will be considered by the Committee and after consideration and any necessary modifications made referred to Cabinet for approval.
7
Licensing Fees and Charges 2025/26
Contact Officer: Robert Draper
The purpose of this report is to provide the committee with the proposed licensing fees and charges for 2025/26.
The purpose of this report is to provide the committee with the proposed licensing fees and charges for 2025/26.
Attachments:
- Document Report 24 Oct 2024
- Document Appendix 1 24 Oct 2024
- Document Appendix 2 24 Oct 2024
Minutes
The Licensing Team Leader introduced the report, which presented an in-depth review of the licensing fees and charges for 2025/26, with the proposed new changes to come into effect from 1 April 2025. This included the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle and Operator fees and charges to be advertised in accordance with Section 70 Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
The Committee discussed the report and made the following comments:
Noted a reduction in fees for new and renewal vehicle licenses. Concerns were raised that higher fees for new driver licenses, along with reduced renewal fees, could discourage new drivers for both Hackney Carriage and private hire services. The Licensing Team Leader explained that new driver fees reflected statutory requirements, such as checks and training, which did not apply during renewals, and that fees covered the minimum costs involved. Asked about the Council’s ability to invest in attracting new drivers and where discussions on this subject took place. The Regulatory Services Manager explained that subsidising fees to attract drivers was uncommon, with driver recruitment being the primary challenge. Highlighted issues about the competitiveness of the Council’s licensing fees compared to other areas, suggesting that higher tariffs and lower fees elsewhere might discourage drivers from working locally.
Resolved: The Committee:
Approves the Licensing fees and charges which will apply from 1 April 2025. Approves for consultation the Taxi Vehicle and Operator fees and charges set out in schedule 1 to be advertised in accordance with Section 70 Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. Agrees that the Taxi Vehicle and Operator fees and charges shall come into effect upon expiry of the consultation period if there are no relevant objections. Delegates authority to the Regulatory Services Manager, in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing Committee, to consider objections received, and to make any necessary modification and set the date that the variation shall come into force.
The Committee discussed the report and made the following comments:
Noted a reduction in fees for new and renewal vehicle licenses. Concerns were raised that higher fees for new driver licenses, along with reduced renewal fees, could discourage new drivers for both Hackney Carriage and private hire services. The Licensing Team Leader explained that new driver fees reflected statutory requirements, such as checks and training, which did not apply during renewals, and that fees covered the minimum costs involved. Asked about the Council’s ability to invest in attracting new drivers and where discussions on this subject took place. The Regulatory Services Manager explained that subsidising fees to attract drivers was uncommon, with driver recruitment being the primary challenge. Highlighted issues about the competitiveness of the Council’s licensing fees compared to other areas, suggesting that higher tariffs and lower fees elsewhere might discourage drivers from working locally.
Resolved: The Committee:
Approves the Licensing fees and charges which will apply from 1 April 2025. Approves for consultation the Taxi Vehicle and Operator fees and charges set out in schedule 1 to be advertised in accordance with Section 70 Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. Agrees that the Taxi Vehicle and Operator fees and charges shall come into effect upon expiry of the consultation period if there are no relevant objections. Delegates authority to the Regulatory Services Manager, in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing Committee, to consider objections received, and to make any necessary modification and set the date that the variation shall come into force.
8
Review of work programme
The committee is asked to note and review its Work Programme.
Attachments:
- Document Work Programme 24 Oct 2024
Minutes
The Committee reviewed and noted its work programme.
9
Exclusion of press and public
To consider whether, in view of the nature of the remaining items on the agenda, any of them are likely to involve the disclosure of exempt or confidential information within the terms of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972
10
Confidential / exempt items for information
Previous Meetings
Join the Discussion
You need to be signed in to comment.
Sign in