QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED OF EXECUTIVE COUNCILLORS AT THE COUNCIL EXECUTIVE MEETING 5^th March 2003

(Agenda item 6)

1. Question from Councillor Brian Barrett

The need for door to door transport for wheelchair users is a critical issue and in many cases accessible taxis can be the only option. Would the Executive Member please tell us the number of such taxis in the B&NES area: distinguishing between those in the Bath taxi area and those in the North East Somerset area?

Answer from Executive Councillor Steve Hedges

There are 346 licensed taxis in B&NES, 14 (4%) of which are "wheelchair accessible" i.e. capable of carrying persons who remain in wheelchairs in safety and reasonable comfort. Of the 14, six are hackney carriages operating in the Bath area, six are hackneys in the N.E. Somerset area and two are private hire vehicles which operate anywhere in B&NES.

Supplementary question from Councillor Barrett

What plans do the Executive have to respond to the Department of Transport letter of 2002 supporting a number of ways to meet the need for accessible taxis and urging Council's not to hold back in implementing their policies? What is the Bath & North East Somerset policy?

Answer from Executive Councillor Steve Hedges

As of last Friday, we have instituted a Taxi Forum and I intend to bring this up there.

2. Question from Councillor Gordon Wood (read by Councillor David Hawkins)

The Council currently charges £58.05 for the hire of its football pitches. Now that there has been a cut of 20% in the sports pitch repair budget, will this lead to a reduction in the charge to hire football pitches?