ffs page after page on dereg and f*ck all about fees

But they have said fees would be set nationally, which would end all this messing around by councils.

Councils no-longer setting local fees is one of the main issues in the report(s) that I totally agree with.

I would like to see the calculation they need to assess how a license fee takes account of cross border checks....in particular how a council is remunerated.

But they have said fees would be set nationally, which would end all this messing around by councils.

Well my reading of it is that the Administration part of a the fee could/should be be more uniform (or Nationally set in other words).

But the Enforcement costs could/should be variable (or Locally set in other words).

This to my mind, drives a "Handsome Cab" through their rationale, as every LA will therefore charge different amounts. So, back to square one, it would seem.

I don't disagree - I was giving you the benefit of my reading of that part of the Consultation which you quoted.

If however, you want my view on the position that should be adopted, I would suggest a National Rate to include Administration and Enforcement. Then the ability for the Urban area with large expenditure to extract the needed funds from the Rural area whose Licensed Vehicles "cross the border" and who therefore have a balance in credit and a Licensing Enforcement team who should be redundant.

Not easy I know, but it's their (the LA's) problem, not mine.

I don't disagree with that point either, and I may be slipping into the "CC - it's a done deal" frame of mind.

I don't mean to as I think that the LC will take on-board what they learn from consultation responses and things are not predetermined.

- for an expansive document going into great detail on things like cross border hirings and deregulation - there has been precious little about fees - nothing about ranking - and whilst national standards are mentioned - there is nothing set - to agree to a national standard, when a person doesnt know what the standard will be is quite incredible - especially given the track record of PH operators.

It only suggests fees will be the same nationally......however, it would appear they are talking gobbledygook in the broader sense.

We recognise the importance of funding for effective administration and enforcement of taxi and private hire licensing. However the above considerations suggest it would be both premature at this stage of the project, and beyond the scope of this consultation paper, to make specific recommendations in respect of licensing fees.

I have a better idea, dont allow cross border in the first place

I don't think any potential Act should set fees, that would be counterproductive, every time Fees needed to be raised (or lowered) a new act would be needed.