The licensing committee discussed and voted on proposed changes to taxi and private hire fees and charges, aiming for a cost recovery increase. The debate centered on the appropriate level of cost recovery and the impact on the taxi industry.

Decision: Increase in Taxi and Private Hire Fees The committee decided to increase the fees to achieve 70% cost recovery, up from the current 60%. Arguments for the increase cited the need for the council to reduce its subsidy of the licensing service, which costs £132,000 annually. Opponents worried about the impact on drivers and competition from services like Uber. The decision aims to balance financial sustainability with industry viability. A review was scheduled for the fiscal year 2025-26 to assess the impact of these changes.

Additional Information: The meeting was notable for its detailed discussion on the fairness and methodology of cost allocation among different license types. Concerns were raised about the disproportionate impact on smaller operators and the lack of detailed debate on individual fee adjustments. The decision to review the impact in a future fiscal year highlights the committee's cautious approach to the significant fee changes.