URL: https://democratic.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4215

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To consider a request from the taxi trade to amend the Hackney Carriage Fare Chart following the consultation period.

Content: RESOLVED that the Cabinet: ·       Notes the objection received during the statutory consultation ·       Agrees the table of fares at Appendix A, with an implementation date of the 29 May 2026. Local authorities have a statutory power to set the maximum fares that licensed hackney carriages (taxis) can charge for a journey.  Under section 65 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, local authorities have the power to “…fix the rates or fares within the district as well for time as distance, and all other charges in connection with the hire of a vehicle or with the arrangements for the hire of a vehicle, to be paid in respect of the hire of hackney carriages by means of a table (hereafter in this section referred to as a “table of fares”) made or varied in accordance with the provisions of this section.” The Act also sets out the statutory process for conducting a consultation should the local authority consider making any changes to the tariffs.   The taxi trade submitted a business case asking for two changes to be made to the existing fare chart. The first change sought to increase the existing fouling charges from £50 (internal fouling) and £10 (external fouling) to £80 (internal fouling) and £25 (external fouling). The trade stated that these charges were proposed to reflect that valeting and car wash costs have increased over the years.   The second requested change was a presentational change in relation to journeys when vehicles are carrying five or more passengers. The current fare chart states “When this vehicle is carrying more than 4 passengers, a surcharge of 50% will be applied to the fare shown on the meter at the end of the journey.  This will however not be shown on the taximeter.” The trade have reported that this causes confusion for passengers and that they would prefer to show the information as stated on Appendix A and for the fares to be programmed into the meters.   A consultation was undertaken and three responses were received including one objection to the proposals. As an objection to the varied table of fares has been received and not withdrawn the matter must be considered by the Cabinet who must decide whether or not to modify the table of fares before it comes into effect and to set a further date for the table to come into effect.     The options, in accordance with the statutory framework, are set out below.   None.

Date of Decision: May 19, 2026