William Eichler 12 December 2019

Wakefield council ‘overcharging’ cabbies, court rules

A court has ruled that Wakefield council were overcharging local taxi drivers for a licence to trade in what could prove to be a landmark case.

The High Court ruled last December that the council’s £384 fee it charges taxi drivers for a licence to trade was unlawful.

The local authority argued that the fee was needed for recovering the costs of licensing the vehicles, as well as policing the local industry.

Taxi drivers have insisted the fees should only pay for licensing.

Wakefield council appealed the High Court’s decision arguing that it was ‘unclear’. They lost the appeal and are therefore required to compensate taxi drivers.

‘The legal position as to where enforcement costs could be attributed was unclear and today’s judgement has clarified that the costs of enforcement should be met by the taxi trade through fees and should not be subsidised by the council tax payer,’ said Glynn Humphries, service director for environment and streetscene.

‘We very much welcome the clarity from today’s judgement but are disappointed we didn’t get this in the High Court last year, which would have saved everyone involved time and money.’

‘The council will now review our position in light of the judgement and set up a process to enable drivers to log any claims as easily as possible and try and ensure we assess the claims as quickly as we can,’ Cllr Humphries added.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Occupational Therapist (Grenfell Education Hub)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Opening up the world to young people - so they can get the best out of it, and themselves.This role sits at the centre of a community deeply impacted England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Director of Finance and Property Services

West Lothian Council
Up to £142,600
Nestled in the heart of Scotland, West Lothian is a vibrant region Livingston, West Lothian
Recuriter: West Lothian Council

Educational Psychologist (Grenfell Education Hub)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Support the North Kensington community to rebuild, aspire and shape futures beyond tragedy.As an Educational Psychologist in the Grenfell Education Te England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Stock Condition Surveyor - Basildon Borough Council

Essex County Council
£18.0900 - £19.9600 per hour
Stock Condition SurveyorBasildon, Essex£18.02 per hour PAYE / £23.11 UmbrellaFull-Time, Temporary Contract - up to 6 months36.25 hours per week Essex England, Essex, Basildon
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant (SEN)

Durham County Council
£27,269 - £30,060 pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant  (SEN) Grade 6  £27,269 - £30,060 pro rata Permanent Full Time, Term Time Only + 2 Weeks Required as soon as possible Thi Stanley
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner