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Cabinet received a report considering the
Council’s proposal to increase the fees and charges relating
to taxi and private hire licensing.  The aim of the increase was to ensure that
the fee structure remained fair, transparent, and proportionate to
the actual cost of administering the service.
 
The Portfolio Holder advised that in support
of the Council’s environmental objectives, it was also
proposed that a subsidised licence fee be introduced for electric
and hybrid vehicles, encouraging the transition to cleaner fuel
alternatives.
 
It was noted that public consultation with the
sector and taxi drivers had been undertaken and following analysis
of the feedback received, it was recommended that the revised fees
and charges be implemented through a phased approach over a
two-year period.
 
It was RESOLVED:
 
1. 
That the proposed fee increase with a phased implementation,
whereby 50% of the proposed increase is applied in 2026/27, with
the full increase coming into effect in 2027/28 plus any inflation
related increase part of normal 2027/28 fees and charges review be
approved.

2. 
That the advice of the Council’s Climate Action Team be
supported and a reduced fee structure to incentivise the use of
environmentally sustainable vehicles be approved.

3. 
That it be noted that the discounted licensing structure will
remain in place until the end of 2030 to align with the
Council’s target to achieve zero emissions by 2030 and
National policy commitments, including the planned phased out of
new petrol and diesel vehicle sales by 2030.