Responses to the Consultation under Section 70 (1) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, About a Proposed Variation to the Schedule of Fees for Hackney Carriage Vehicles, Private Hire Vehicle and Private Hire Operators.
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Respondent |
Comments |
Officer Response |
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Trade Member |
My opinion on raising the fees on operators and drivers in this economic climate is not the right thing to do, most businesses are struggling prices are going through the roof on everything meaning the taxis in this borough have taken a massive hit. People who were excellent drivers have walked away so there are hardly any drivers now as most of them have found other careers and will not return.
People can no longer afford to take taxis the foot fall for taxis is no longer there all the taxi companies are suffering. I can see the future being very bleak for Bracknell taxi trade. If you increase the licensing fees for operators and drivers businesses will suffer they may even close.
Bracknell Forest are going to end up with Uber drivers servicing Bracknell even Uber have taken a massive hit. I am worried for the future of our trade.
I take on board that you are consolidating the fees for the taxi Licence’s there is an increase which could push some people over the edge. You are guaranteed your salary taxi drivers are not they are now working too many hours to earn what they used to earn in half the time, I believe you are making a huge mistake but as usual you will do what you think is best which is not necessarily right. |
See paragraphs 5.12 to 5.17 of the report |
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Chairman of the Association |
For the newly proposed fees for 2023.
I would like to take this opportunity as chairman of Bracknell hackney taxi drivers association to appeal for the licensing fees for:
1) DBS. 2) Age of vehicle check. 3) Refund Charge.
Also, I am appealing against driving 36 miles round trip to Theale, West Berkshire |
These responses relate to matters which fall outside of the statutory consultation, Respondent directed to submit comments on the Executive consultation on budget proposals.
Some comments on these concerns have however been addressed in the report to the committee for completeness.
DBS checks – see paragraph 5.17 Age of Vehicle Check – is still a requirement under the current taxi policy. The policy is currently under review. Cost has remained the same for forthcoming financial year (if needed). Refund Charge had decreased from £59 to £30 to reflect the half an hour’s work required to undertake this process.
Following the withdrawal of permission to undertake online DBS checks the PPP had to reinstate in person checks. When Times Square is not open to the public drivers are asked to visit the Theale Office to have these checks undertaken in person in accordance with the legislation. When Times Square is open to the public appointments can be booked there. |
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10 Respondents |
The newly proposed fees for 2023.
I would like to take this opportunity to appeal for the licensing fees for:
1) DBS 2) Age of vehicle check 3) Refund Charge
Also, I am appealing against driving 62 miles round trip to West Berkshire Council /Newbury .
|
These responses relate to matters which fall outside of the statutory consultation, respondent directed to submit comments on the Executive consultation on budget proposals.
Some comments on these concerns have however been addressed in the report to the committee for completeness.
DBS checks – see paragraph 5.17 Age of Vehicle Check – is still a requirement under the current taxi policy. The policy is currently under review. Cost has remained the same for forthcoming financial year (if needed). Refund Charge had decreased from £59 to £30 to reflect the half an hour’s work required to undertake this process.
Following the withdrawal of permission to undertake online DBS checks the PPP had to reinstate in person checks. When Times Square is not open to the public drivers are asked to visit the Theale Office to have these checks undertaken in person in accordance with the legislation. When Times Square is open to the public appointments can be booked there. |
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44 Respondents |
I would like to take this opportunity to appeal for objections the licensing fees for:
1) DBS 2) Age of vehicle check 3) Refund Charge
Also, I am appealing against driving 36 miles round trip to Theale, West Berkshire .
|
It was noted that these responses related to matters which fell outside of the statutory consultation and that the Respondents had been directed to submit comments on the Executive consultation on budget proposals.
Some comments on these concerns were however addressed in the report to the committee for completeness.
DBS checks – see paragraph 5.17 Age of Vehicle Check – is still a requirement under the current taxi policy. The policy is currently under review. Cost has remained the same for forthcoming financial year (if needed). Refund Charge had decreased from £59 to £30 to reflect the half an hour’s work required to undertake this process.
Following the withdrawal of permission to undertake online DBS checks the PPP had to reinstate in person checks. While Times Square was not open to the public drivers were asked to visit the Theale Office to have these checks undertaken. With Times Square re-opening drivers are once again able to book appointments in Bracknell. |
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Member of Trade |
The prices are increasing on the fees that the council are Charging for the operator license & DBS, it is very hard to make a living things are starting to go slow again, there’s not much work left & Uber is killing us. If you can’t reduce your prices on these fees I strongly urge you not to put these prices up please as we are struggling.
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See paragraphs 5.12 to 5.17 of the report |