Appendix A

To whom ever this may concern,

Introduction

Latest figures from data firm Experian Catalist show the average cost of a litre of fuel has reached £1.799.The cost of diesel has increased by over 25% since 2020 and the fuel price we believe will continue to rise. It is the largest part of our daily running cost. If our running costs are up 20-25%, it will start to bite us.

Ultimately the consumer index the tariff is based on will be current to the time of consultation.

As Bracknell Forest Council is aware, the Hackney Carriage trade has had a fare increase on the 1st August 2021 and we had to wait 10 years for increase of only £0.80. Just to remind you the last fare increase has been completely swallowed up by the madness increase in fuel prices because of saddened current situation. It is too unjustifiable for us not to have another increase soon to deal with this emergency crisis.

The £0.80 increase we had since 2011 now with a new Tariff fare, because of fuel crisis it should be an increase at least an extra a £1. The total of £1.80 (with last increase included) will result in an increase of just over 16 pence per year for the last 11 years until now.

We are now setting out our business case for an increase. It’s been over 8 months since we have received tariff increase and although the living cost, council tax, mortgage, car repairs, especially  with gas, electricity this month April and fuel prices is gone over the roof in the last few weeks, there were consistent efforts to achieve an increase in an year.

Summary of Business Case from 1st August 2021 to 2nd April 2022

August 2021 Fuel price £1.379 per litre

April 2022 Fuel price £1.799 per litre. 

(From August 2021 to April 2022 gone up by 0.42 pence per litre).

The Hackney Carriage tariff fare increase from our association has been agreed for proposing tariff 1 to be raised 2 miles trip from £6.80 fare to £7.80 by staying at the same starting flag at £3.

We worked out for the first 415 yards (379.476 Meters) and for each subsequent 135 yards (123.444 meters) a 2 miles fare to £7.80.

"Proposed by our Hackney Carriage drivers Association

TARIFF 1

STARTING FLAG STAYING THE SAME AT £3.00

FIRST OFF IS 415 YARDS

AND THEN 135 YARDS

FOR EVERY 20 PENCE.

TOTAL £7.80 (2 miles)

TARIFF 1 FLAG £3.00

1 x 415 yards = £0.20

23 x 135 yards= £4.60

2 miles fare total £7.80"

Conclusion

We hope BFC will understand with good cooperation that the Taxi Trade like any other businesses cannot operate without price increases. Since 2020 in August by looking at inflation rates has been increased so much. The consumer prices index (CPI) UK fuel inflation has risen from last August just over 25% more till today and it is likely to increase. The tariff would be based on what the current index is.

We would also like to urge you to consider the recent fuel crisis for the fare increase and not delay this, as you did previously with other matters.

We welcome your feedback.

Kindest Regards,

Manoj on behalf Bracknell Hackney Taxi Drivers Association