URL: https://democracy.runnymede.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1027

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Committee received for information, the annual report on matters relating to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing for the financial year ending 31 March 2025.   Members recalled that the principal focus of licensing the Taxi trade with a quality service and regulatory regime was promoting safety for drivers and the public, including other road users, and the provision of suitable, affordable and accessible public transportation service for all.   The Committee was presented with mixture of statistical information and narrative, giving an overview of the year’s work.   Members noted the generally downward trend in the number of drivers, vehicles and operators licensed over the years, although there had been no change in the overall total numbers from 2024.  There were now 95 drivers, and 78 vehicles, which was slightly more than the lowest dip in 2023 but lower than the high numbers of 2014.  The number of operators stood at 23, a decrease of 8% on the previous year.   The Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy had been reviewed and updated in 2024 and was not due a review until 2030.  However, the forthcoming Local Government Re-organisation (LGR), would bring forward that review to bring greater consistency across the County, depending on how many unitary authorities there were and with whom Runnymede would be merged.  This would be a significant change for the Trade and much preparatory work was required.   Officers reported that in line with the Council’s Climate Change Strategy all the licensed fleet vehicles would need to be ULEV compliant by 2030, noting that a new Euro 7 emission standard was due to come into force in November 2026.  Currently 86% of vehicles were in compliance, leaving only 11 that were not.   Members reviewed details of the suspensions, revocations and refusals (one of each) dealt with during the year and added to the National register as required.   The Committee was also appraised of the Knowledge Test and Communications with the trade, which included regular newsletters, information on the website (including a full list of wheelchair accessible vehicles) and direct messages to the trade.  The future of the poorly attended taxi forum was also discussed.  It was agreed to discontinue regular meetings, unless something of widespread significance needed to be discussed, such as the outcome of LGR.  This would have a positive effect on the fees by a reduction in the cost recovery charges to the trade of preparing for and holding the Forums .   Officers also provided details of the 7 complaints received in 2024/25 and the successful results from recent multi-agency enforcement operations as well as active participation with other licensing authorities in Surrey, sharing information and attending training.   With regard to fees and charges, Members had approved an increase in taxi fare tariffs with effect from April 2024.  Subsequently, drivers had requested the ‘soiling charge’ to be increased.  A benchmarking exercise across Surrey was carried out and it was agreed that an increase from £50 to £100 sounded reasonable.   The position with Hackney Carriage ranks was noted and Officers reported that since the transfer back to South Western Railways of the station ranks, no problems had been reported.  It was unknown what impact re-nationalisation of the railways would have.   In terms of future developments, the Committee’s attention was drawn to a forthcoming consultation on the possible transfer of the responsibility for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicle licensing to all Local Transport Authorities.   Members noted that the VAT treatment of private hire vehicles outside of London remained unresolved.  The matter had now been lodged with the Supreme Court.   Officers were thanked for their report which was duly noted.

Date of Decision: June 18, 2025