Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Richard Austin BEM and Dale Broughton.

To receive declarations of interests in respect of any item on the agenda.

No declarations of interest were received.

To sign and confirm the minutes of the last meeting.

A query was raised in relation to the minutes of the previous meeting concerning the confidentiality of voting undertaken during private deliberation during that meeting. It was alleged that a Councillor who was not a member of the Committee and therefore not part of the private deliberation had publicly circulated information about the way in which individual councillors had voted and had also disclosed the addresses of some members.

The Vice-Chairman confirmed that clarification would be sought regarding the disclosure of such information and the matter would be investigated further.

Subject to the above, the minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd February 2026 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To answer any written questions received from members of the public no later than 5 p.m. two clear working days prior to the meeting – for this meeting the deadline is 5 p.m. on 5^th June 2026.

No public questions were received.

(A report by Christian Allen, Service Director – Regulatory)

The Committee received a report from the Senior Licensing Officer which provided an overview of a proposed increase to the maximum hackney carriage fare structure for fares which begin and end in the Borough of Boston. This was following a request submitted by the Boston Hackney Carriage Association (BHCA).

Members were advised that the last increase to fares had been implemented in August 2022 and that the purpose of the report was to consider the proposed variation of fares and, if appropriate, make a recommendation to Cabinet for approval. The matter would then be determined by Cabinet and thereafter subject to statutory consultation, including public advertisement and the opportunity for objections.

The increase in fares was recommended for approval and the Committee was advised that it could also consider alternative tariff rates, not to approve an increase in tariffs and, although not recommended, a decrease in the current tariff. It was confirmed that the Council had the power to set maximum fares for time and distance for hackney carriage fare rates and that it was unlawful for drivers to charge above the maximum set. Confirmation was provided that this applied only to hackney carriage fares and not private hire rates, which drivers were permitted to set independently.

The Committee was informed that the proposed changes included increases to distance and waiting time charges across all tariffs, amendments to the commencement times for certain tariffs, an increase to the maximum booking fee, and an uplift in the initial fuel surcharge.

It was further noted that consultation had been undertaken with all licensed hackney carriage drivers and proprietors, with three responses received from approximately 138 consultees.

Confirmation was provided that the rate of diesel fuel costs had increased from approximately £105 in 2022 to £112 for a full tank, based on a car with a 60-litre tank. Other increased running costs, including insurance, maintenance wages and general cost of living increased were also relevant.

The Senior Licensing Officer confirmed that the key issue for the Committee was to balance a reasonably priced service for customers with a fair and suitable income for drives and proprietors.

The Vice-Chairman invited deliberation of the report.

During consideration of the report, Members undertook a detailed discussion on the three current tariffs set out in part 2.2 within the report. In addition, the proposed fare increases and revised tariffs were considered, including the scale of the uplift and its potential implications for both hackney carriage drivers and members of the public using their services.

Members explored the methodology behind the proposed increases and sought clarification on how the new tariffs compared with existing charges.

Consideration was also given to the information about benchmarking of tariff rates with those in neighbouring authorities. It was noted that, under the proposed structure, fares within the Borough would become significantly higher than those in comparable parts of Lincolnshire.

Discussion took place regarding the balance required between ensuring a viable income for drivers in the face of the increased costs for their  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.