charles007 wrote:
Doom wrote:
I have to admit Charles I don't know what your mission is, I'm not having a go, but I read resistance to you, and when I read you I still don't know which side of the fence you are standing on.
I am onthe side of what is right, i help drivers, i spend 24/7 helping drivers, i work with any one who is willing to help get a better deal for the trade.
There is only one side i am on, now let me say nta nta nta then stop posting lies about this asociation.
let me say if this fourm as gone its not i only told the turth, and why would they stop posting if they were as they say telling the truth.
That all its not freedone of speech on there only if you agree with some on there two names jup out to me.
Did some one say i was not Recognised in Bolton.
HACKNEY CARRIAGE AND PRIVATE HIRE CONSULTATIVE PANEL
MEETING, 25TH JUNE, 2008
Present – Councillors R. G. Allen, Mrs Fairclough, Ibrahim, Shaw, Mrs Thomas and D. Wilkinson.
Also in attendance
Mr. D. Grogan - Assistant Director of Democratic Services
Mr. C. Oakes - Bolton Hackney Association
Mr. Z.A. Shah - Bolton Taxi Drivers Association
Mr. W. Saddique - Bolton Taxi Drivers Association
Mr. S. Khan - Bolton Private Hire Association
Mr. M. Bhuta - Bolton Private Hire Association
Mr. A.J. Fisher - Group Manager (Licensing)
Ms. P. Clyne - Principal Licensing Officer
Mr. I.D. Mulholland - Principal Democratic Services Officer
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Hollick and Lord.
1. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN
Resolved - That Councillor Mrs. Fairclough be appointed as Chairman for the forthcoming Municipal Year.
2. APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIRMAN
Resolved – That Councillor Lord, in absentia, be appointed as Vice-Chairman for the forthcoming Municipal Year.
3. MINUTES
The minutes of the proceedings of the meeting of the Panel held on 30th January, 2008 were submitted.
Further to minute 23, Non Cash Payments, Members enquired as to the progress.
It was reported by Mr. Fisher, Group Manager (Licensing), that the Licensing Unit was working with internal audit and it was hoped to move to the Non-cash Payments Scheme later this year.
The Traders expressed a measure of concern that not everyone had a debit or credit card. Mr Grogan, Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Services, explained that there would be a menu of payment choices available to drivers.
Further to minute 24. Rank to Rank Discount Scheme, the Panel sought details of any progress. Mr Oakes, Bolton Hackney Association, reported that there was a reluctance to move this matter forward at present. It was further indicated by Mr Fisher, Group Manager (Licensing) that there were no proposals to progress this further.
It was agreed that the minutes be signed as a correct record.
4. DRIVER TRAINING – CAB SOLUTIONS
Mr Fisher, Group Manager (Licensing), indicated that this matter was on the Business Plan of the Licensing Unit. It was explained that contact had been made with a company on the South Coast who were able to offer NVQ and BTEC Hackney Certificate Training in association with the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). For those without formal qualifications the costs of studying for those qualifications would be met by the LSC.
The Panel discussed the need for further details including costs and other associated implications. Furthermore, the Panel pointed out its general support and indicated that there was also a debate to be had in terms of whether the qualifications should be for new entrants only or also open it to existing drivers.
It was agreed that a presentation be given on the detail of the Driver Training Scheme to the next meeting to include details of what other Councils are doing and details of the current driver testing system.
5. HACKNEY CARRIAGE FARES
The Director of Legal and Democratic Services submitted a report which sought consideration of an increase in the fares for Hackney Carriage vehicles.
By way of background information, the report reminded the Panel that the fees charged by Hackney Carriages licensed by Bolton Council were fixed by the Council.
The two associations representing the Hackney Carriage trade had submitted separate applications to increase Hackney Carriage fares.
The report went on the set out details of the fare increase proposed options, the impact on journeys and what charges other authorities in Greater Manchester levied.
In their deliberations, Members referred to the need to know the actual reasons for an increase in fares, sticking with existing rounded yardage figures and the possibility of a fuel surcharge to assist drivers.
Mr C. Oakes, Bolton Hackney Association, indicated that the proposed increases could be justified in terms of fuel and cost of living increases.
It was agreed:-
(i) That the Executive Member for Corporate Resources be recommended to approve increased fee charges for Hackney Carriage drivers but keep the yardage rates as for the existing tariffs; and
(ii) That the Director of Legal and Democratic Services in conjunction with the trades be asked to explore the implementation of better systems for the setting of fare increases in future years.
6. METER SEALING FEE AND NEW FEES
Mr Oakes, Bolton Hackney Association indicated that the trade objected to the £25 meter resealing fee.
Panel discussions then centred around the reasons for a seal to be broken and the issue of missed resealing appointments.
The Panel also discussed the need, in future, for all proposed fee increases whether Hackney or Private Hire to be considered by this Panel prior to going before the Executive Member.
It was agreed that:-
(i) In future all proposed fee increases be submitted to meetings of this Panel; and
(ii) Future meetings of this Panel be held on a monthly basis with agendas including timed items together with details of the individual giving the report and that a forward plan of items to be discussed be agreed by the Panel
7. TAXI SUB OFFICES
Mr Oakes, Bolton Hackney Association referred to the fact that there were now a number of Private Hire sub offices in Bolton and referred to legal matters including issues of parking facilities and vehicular pick up. In particular the Panel suggested that no new approvals to sub offices be given until the criteria for tha approval of such had been reviewed by the Executive member.Mr Grogan explained however that there were competing pressure from various groups , including the police and private hire trade, to allow sub offices to operate .He undertook to review all current applications in the light of the panels comments pending the submission of a paper to Members
It was agreed that:-
(i) A quarterly out of hours enforcement report be submitted to this Panel and the Licensing and Environmental Committee; and
(ii) A report be prepared for submission to this Panel and the Executive Member for Corporate Resources on issues relating to new Taxi sub-offices in Bolton.
8. INFORMATION FROM THE LICENSING UNIT
This item was withdrawn.
(The meeting started at 10.00 a.m. and finished at 11.50 a.m.)
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