The Licensing Partnership Manager confirmed that, as under the Gambling Act, the taxi licensing service was self-financing. Proposed fees were based on assessing income and expenditure over the past year plus a 3% inflationary rise in line with the Council’s budget.

Some fees, such as the initial and renewal application fees for Hackney Carriage Driver’s Licences had not risen in 3 years and so had risen accordingly. The Council was now able to insist on enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) searches and the £44 fee reflected this.

Following a cost analysis the fee for a replacement vehicle plate had fallen to £23 and the cost of a replacement identification badge was aligning with other Authorities in the Licensing Partnership.

Two amendments were made to the proposed fees as set out in the report. The replacement identification badge costs was to be £9 and the fee for a change of address or name on a licence was to be £11.

The Medical Provider fee was not set by the Council directly but the contract was currently out for tender. It was thought the fee may fall. She replied to a Member of the Committee that the tender took account of female drivers, who made up approximately a third of the drivers in the District, and allowed them to be examined by female practitioners.

The Licensing Partnership Manager answered Members questions. She explained how the “knowledge test” worked and the process for receiving a licence. It was possible for drivers to learn the routes for one area of the District but then to move. Officers believed they had processes in place to prevent people fraudulently taking the tests on behalf of others.

The enhanced CRB checks did not prohibit those with criminal records from becoming drivers but they were less likely to be allowed if they had committed a sexual offence, particularly on minors.

She explained that she did not expect complete harmonisation between the Licensing Partnership Authorities for fee levels, but she would try to bring them closer. There would be some difference because, for example, Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone Borough Councils both had unmet demand surveys. The Head of Environmental and Operational Services added that the governance section of the Partnership Agreement stated that each Authority reserved the right for their Committee to set its own fees. There would be no requirement for harmonisation.

Resolved:       That from 1 April 2012 the list of fees and associated costs for licences in respect of hackney carriage drivers and vehicles and private hire drivers, vehicles and operators be varied as set out in the report as amended.