Decision details

Charles Oakes, of the Hackney Drivers’ Association Ltd, submitted a written question to the Licensing            and Safety Panel enquiring as to how someone who is unemployed would raise an amount of approximately £450 to apply for a taxi driver’s licence.

                   The Licensing Unit Manager explained that the total cost of a licence would not reach £450, however, there were separate components contained within the fee including the 3 year licence, knowledge test, DBS check, English and Maths assessment and the driving assessment.  Not all of the cost is taken up front only the DBS check and pre-assessment costs.  It is a non-profit fee to cover the charges incurred, some of which are outside the Council’s control. 

                   It was also explained that there was a proposal to increase the fee by 3%. This proposal would be advertised in the press, which is a statutory obligation.  The Licensing Unit Manager stated that a comparison of all the Greater Manchester Authority fees would be collated and put before the Licensing and Safety Panel for information.

It was agreed:

                   That the response be noted.