The Licensing & Public Protection Committee of Erewash Council met on Friday, 14 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the proposed increases to taxi licensing fees and charges for the 2024/25 period. The committee approved the commencement of the new fees and charges effective from 11 May 2024.

Proposed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Fees and Charges

The committee reviewed a report from the Director of Environmental and Community Services regarding objections to the proposed increases in taxi licensing fees and charges for drivers, vehicles, and private hire operators for 2024/25. The Head of Regulatory and Housing Services, Nick Thurstan, clarified that the council is required to set fees that cover reasonable administration costs as per the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, and that taxi licensing should not be used as a source of additional income.

Three objections had been submitted against the proposed fee increases. It was noted that the fees and charges were last reviewed in 2015, and since then, the cost of providing taxi licensing services had risen due to inflationary pressures. The proposed fee increases aim to cover these costs.

The committee also discussed upcoming changes to the council’s taxi licensing policies, which will be considered at the next meeting. These changes will address current restrictions on the use of tinted windows and vehicle age, and will incorporate revised best practice guidance from the Department of Transport.

The committee resolved to approve the commencement of the new fees and charges from 11 May 2024.

For more details, you can refer to the Minutes of the meeting.