Decision

RESOLVED that:

A     A one-off Trading Displacement Grant of £150 per Hackney Carriage Taxi Driver Licenced in Harlow be approved for eligible drivers operating from Harlow town centre ranks impacted by regeneration works.

B     A one-off, 1-year Driver Licence renewal cost waiver for the next renewal application for current Hackney Carriage Taxi Driver Licences in Harlow, or a discount of the value of a 1-year renewal to the cost of a 3-year renewal. To receive this payment a driver shall have held a Hackney Carriage Taxi Driver Licence continuously since January 2026.

C     The Section 151 officer, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to:

·         administrative arrangements for the payment; and

·         Implement the grant scheme within existing approved budgets.

Reasons for the decision

To provide targeted financial support to Hackney Carriage drivers who have experienced direct trading disruption as a result of regeneration work and taxi rank displacement.

To recognise the unique operational constraints of Hackney Carriage drivers, who are required to operate from designated ranks and are less able to mitigate disruption through alternative booking mechanisms.

To support the continued viability of the licensed taxi trade in Harlow, which plays a vital role in the town centre transport network, accessibility, and evening economy.

To align with the Council’s commitment to supporting businesses and traders during major regeneration activity, while delivering long-term improvements to the town centre offer.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing: Not recommended, as it would fail to recognise the specific and disproportionate impact on Hackney Carriage drivers.

Extend support to all businesses: Not recommended, as broader programmes have already ensured continued access for other traders, and the taxi trade is uniquely affected.