Decision details

Queries have arisen in terms of fees for hackney carriage vehicles, drivers and
operators, and whether if licences are surrendered (due to implications of Covid-19)
the Council will refund fees.

Fees in this instance are locally set, and are substantial in terms of their cost. The proposal is that if an individual wishes to surrender a licence until its expiry, due to concerns over transporting passengers etc., and then they re-apply, the Council allow them the pro-rata fee (according to the licence period remaining) off a future licence application (for the same licence), if made in the 2020/2021 financial year.

Covid-19 is impacting the UK at an unprecedented rate, and the usual systems available to implement policy changes via Licensing and Community Safety Committee, Strategy and Resources Committee and Full Council are not expedient. Given the circumstances many of these meetings are compromised due to social distancing precautions being now in place.

There is likely to be an impact on the taxi and private hire licensing budget, however due to the fact that the number of drivers wishing to surrender their licences or their vehicle or operator licences is unknown, it is not at this point possible to provide full detail in terms of the financial impact of this decision.

In light of the fact that it is not proposed to make any immediate refunds, there will be no impact until such time as any subsequent application is made to the Council, (when a reduced fee will be received).

Option 1 - As above
Option 2 - To make no refund of a driver, vehicle or operator fee in the manner proposed
Option 3 -, or to make an immediate refund