Dear Committee Members,
I write on behalf of the East Fife Taxi Association (EFTA) regarding the ongoing taxi fare review.
Under Section 17 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, the licensing authority is required to review and fix taxi fare scales within an 18-month period from the date the current scale came into force. As the existing fare scale took effect on 3 June 2024, the statutory period expired on 3 December 2025.
As no new scale has yet been fixed, the Council is now operating outwith its statutory duty.
Drivers and operators across Fife engaged constructively with the review process and provided detailed evidence on operating costs, recruitment and retention pressures, vehicle replacement requirements, and compliance burdens. The proposal published by the Committee did not reflect many of the concerns raised, resulting in a significant number of objections and representations from the trade.
Since that stage, the review has been delayed, and operators remain without clarity on the next steps, the expected timetable, or when a lawful fare scale will be fixed.
We also understand that there may have been practical issues arising from elements of the proposed fare structure, including potential difficulties with meter calibration at later stages. If correct, this would further underline the need for careful scrutiny and a transparent resolution.
EFTA has called for the resignation of the Committee Convener, Cllr Tom Adams, on the basis of accountability and leadership of the process. We wish to stress that this is not directed at Committee members generally, many of whom have engaged in good faith, but reflects concern about governance and oversight given the missed statutory deadline and the lack of clarity since.
Ahead of the Committee meeting scheduled for 10 March, we respectfully request confirmation of:
- Whether a revised proposal will be published;
- The timetable for fixing and implementing a lawful fare scale; and
- How the Council intends to restore confidence and transparency in the review process.
The taxi trade requires certainty and a properly concluded statutory process in order to continue providing safe and reliable services to the public across Fife.
We look forward to your response.