| State the Delegated Authority that you are relying on in order to make the decision | |
| Subject of decision | Moving all payments for taxi licensing to online only. |
| Text of decision | Individual payments for taxi licenses can currently be made in cash, through the counters within the Customer Centre. This counter currently needs to be manned by Taxi Licensing staff, to facilitate all stages of the taxi licensing process. From mid-September the entire taxi licensing process will be available through the Council’s website, and the counter presence will be removed. Payments for taxi licenses will need to be made through the online process, at the point of registration or renewal. Support is available to individuals as part of the transition to self-serve, and this will include advice on making online payments. |
| Reason for decision | The majority of taxi drivers are self-employed, and are therefore operating as a business, and should be registered for tax. Other drivers are operating as employees of a company that are making the payments on their behalf. As business customers, it is appropriate to request online payments only. Cessation of cash payments will ensure that no counter presence is required, and that business transactions can be fully transparent. This is in line with other proactive licensing authorities such as Manchester and Liverpool, and is reflected in the new taxi policy currently out for consultation with the trade. |
| Other options considered (if any) | The option to retain cash payments has been considered, but is not compatible with moving to a self-serve model. |
| Declarations of Interest by any member or relevant local government body | None |
| Who have you consulted as part of the decision making process | |
| Date of decision | 28 July 2017 |
| Service area | Culture & Communities |
| Name of Delegated Officer making the decision - i | Richard Horniman, Director of Culture and Communities |
| Name of the Officer making the decision - If power has been sub-delegated to another officer | |
| Issue date:- | 28 July 2017 |
| Creation date:- | 28 July 2017 by Bernie Carr |