Cotswold Taxis to be licensed in Gloucester

A DECISION on whether to transfer the licensing of Cotswold taxis to Gloucester City Council will be made on Monday.

Cotswold District Council currently issues licences for private hire and Hackney Carriages but officers are struggling to cope with the huge workload.

It has had to employ a contractor to assist during the peak times of March and April at an annual costs of £1,800.

CDC’s Licensing team leader Phil Cooper said: “The licensing team are under increasing pressure due to the considerable workload. This situation has come about primarily due to legislative changes and an increase in recent years of outdoor festival events taking place in Cotswold district.”

The estimated cost of transferring the administration of taxi licensing to Gloucester City Council is £18,495 a year.

This cost would be covered by the income generated by the service.

If the service is not transferred, CDC will consider the option of employing a part-time staff member to undertake the work.

CDC’s licensing committee will discuss the transfer on Monday at 10am.