Regulatory panel decisions
At last nights meeting of the Regulatory Panel the two taxi items were discussed.
On fares the panel were advised that we could not sanction an immediate increase in fares as an interim measure (we need to advertise the proposed fares), but we agreed that the structure would be brought in as soon as the 14 day consultatation period had passed, providing that there were no objections.
On reduced licensing fees for bio-diesel it was agreed that the loss of income had to be agreed by Cabinet, and so it will be passed to them for a decision. This is an out and out cop-out! Although no figures on overall costs to the authority were available at the meeting, it was calculated to be less than £5,000. And that would be for the whole year, we only have 9 months of this authority left.
I am certain that the supposed loss can be met from balance or from other savings, and in the scheme of things is not a huge amount. But in terms of environment and air quality it is a small price to pay.
And one leading taxi firm who wishes to bring in bio-diesel is left with a possible investment for no return. I hope that he goes ahead and introduces bio-diesel cars anyway , and that the savings in costs will follow, along with the reduction in license fees.
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