Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Yabsley, North Devon Council.

RESOLVED, that the minutes of the meeting held on 12^th May 2022 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The Chair addressed the Committee re. a draft letter from the Chair of the Licensing and Community Safety Committee to the Rt Hon Priti Patel Secretary of State for the Home Department. The letter expressed concerns related to the delays within the court process, which had in turn had led to a delay in the determination of appeals for premises licences.

In this case, the delay had the effect of enabling the premises to continue to trade from the review hearing date onwards, and with the current significant backlog in Magistrates Court diaries and availability of Police Officers, this had led to a lengthy delay in the appeal hearing which significantly devalued the effect of local licensing regulation.

The Committee supported the content of the letter and welcomed the subject being brought the attention of those at Government level.

RESOLVED, that the letter be noted and sent to the Secretary of State for the Home Department.

Councillor Henderson wished it to be recorded in the minutes that he had abstained from the vote as he was not present at the beginning of the item.

There were no declarations of interest announced.

Public Protection Manager to report.

The Public Protection Manager advised that a consultation regarding

proposed changes to the taxi tariff had been undertaken and was now 

recommended to the Committee for adoption of new North Devon Council

Authorised Maximum Fares for Licensed Hackney Carriages (the hackney

tariff).

She referred to the 30 representations received from both hackney carriage drivers and the members of the public as part of the consultation and read each one in turn as follows:

1.    Seems a bit low especially with the cost of fuel going up as it is – Comment received from a member of the public.

2.    I think it is justifiable to charge more for taxis, especially as the price of fuel has increased considerably. I do use taxis but will just have to cut down, on how often is viable in the future - Comment received from a member of the public.

3.    Seems reasonable scrap the 20p charge on items of luggage, seems ridiculous and should be part of the service – Comment received from a taxi driver.

4.    As a former Taxi driver and the partner of a current Taxi driver I think the increase is fair and long overdue especially in light of current fuel prices and the increase in licences costs - Comment received from a member of the public.

5.    Whilst unwelcome by passengers it seems to be a very necessary increase - Comment received from a member of the public.

6.    I think it is very fare and with the fuel increases of late I am surprised it hasn't increased by more. Fuel prices and insurance cost has risen so much since 2016 the last time the Taxi fare was increased - Comment received from a member of the public.

7.    Will they reduce once the inflationary effect of the recent fuel increase? Put hourly bus service from Bradiford both ways week days for hospital visits - Comment received from a member of the public.

8.    I consider these increases to be excellent. The taxis must be finding it hard to make a living now that the price of fuel is so high. Have no objection - Comment received from a member of the public.

9.    I'm in favour of the increases – Comment received from a Taxi Driver.

10.These all seem fair and reasonable, however is there any concessions for children needing a taxi to take them to school? - Comment received from a member of the public.

11.The fare increase seem fair but I would be opposed at this present time to attach surcharges linked to fuel prices. The Government should be lobbied regarding a cap on the fuel price and should consider the same measures as they are regarding gas/electricity etc. Perhaps the taxi drivers and the council could put their weight behind this as it would benefit both drivers and customers alike - Comment received from a member of the public.

12. They seem fairly reasonable but if taxis are electric, how will  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.