30/09/2013 - Permalink

Council proposes variation to hackney carriage and private hire licence fees

Related topics: Community / Uncategorized

Shropshire Council is proposing to vary its fees in relation to the licensing of hackney carriage proprietors and drivers and for private hire vehicles, operators and drivers. 

The council is advising all those drivers and operators who may be affected by these changes to be aware of the proposals, and to make any objections they may have within the next month. 

Objections to the proposals must be received by noon on Wednesday 30 October 2013, and these must be submitted to the council in writing, either by post or by email, in accordance with the formal notice that can be viewed here. 

Frances Darling, service manager for safer and stronger communities within public protection, said:

“The council has a legal duty to publish any proposed variation to these particular licence fees and to allow a minimum of 28 days for objections to be received.  If no objections are received by the deadline, the fees will automatically take effect from 1 November 2013; however, if we do receive objections, these will be given full consideration by the Licensing and Safety Sub Committee before a final decision is made.  In this event, it is likely that the fees will take effect from 2 December 2013.” 

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for public protection, added:

“The council can recover certain costs associated with delivering the licensing service for the hackney carriage and private hire trades; consequently, the fees currently being proposed aim to do this in as fair a manner as is possible, whilst continuing to comply with relevant legal requirements.  To ensure that the council makes an informed decision about the fees, I would encourage all those who may be affected by the changes to submit any objections they have as soon as possible, and clearly to do so before the noon deadline on 30 October.” 

Further information is available in the report that was considered by Strategic Licensing Committee on 25 September 2013 and can be viewed here.