BREAKING NEWS: Statement from Brighton & Hove City Council Regarding Uber Relicense.

Following yesterday's licensing panel meeting, on the renewal of Uber Britannia Ltd's private hire operator's license has been delayed.

Given the scope and number of representations made to the panel, counsellors have decided to take further time to give careful and detailed consideration to the matter, to ensure the right decision is made.

The panel will reconvene later this week and will announce the decision on the renewal of the license as soon as possible following that meeting. 

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Chic beachfront Cornish spa hotel stay from £54.50pppn

Head out to the English coast this spring/ summer and breathe in the fresh sea air. Grab a romantic night or two at the4* Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa, an adults only accommodation right next to the beach in Newquay. So whether you're a surfer or a sun bather, this is the ideal place for… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Tomorrow’s TFL licence fees ruling “is make or break” for private hire industry in London say Zoom

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The meeting of the LPCHA last month made one thing perfectly clear: that the action taken by the group against Transport for London’s regressive operator license fees is action taken on behalf of everyone involved in the industry in London, from drivers and companies to suppliers and consumers. It is a basic economic principle that more competition in a market means more efficiency, more opportunity and, for customers, lower prices. Many people who support Uber, including most vocally those who make their money from the company, have long said that their presence in the market has increased competition, but this is a fallacy. Since the company does not pay tax in the UK and its drivers are often not VAT registered because they are classed as ‘self employed’ and entitled to in-work benefits if they meet the criteria, then essentially, what Uber have developed is a business model whereby the tax payer subsidises its drivers whilst putting other companies out of business. If this were a case study in an economics course the students would be right to say that the competition commission should be brought in. Instead, Transport for London appear to be making life easier for them. It was therefore no surprise that many in the private hire industry were pleased when TfL took the decision not to renew the company’s license, citing safety concerns as its predominant reason. But a few months down the line and the proposal for operator costs has led many to ask whether that fight was all a bit of a set up. A glance at the breakdown of figures as featured in the last edition of this magazine shows why many are questioning whether TfL would rather just deal with a few large companies than the inconvenience of smaller firms. Why else would it propose such a draconian and economically illiterate fee structure which stifles growth for midsize firms and prices new entrants and driver-owners out of the market? The proposals, which would see minimum costs per vehicle soar for many companies, directly benefit large companies like Uber with over 10000 vehicles. As it stands, the company will see its minimum cost per vehicle drop to £72.50 compared to £380 for a company with 21 to 50 cars. Its maximum price per vehicle would also be only £290 compared to an astonishing £2000 for a sole trader or £1,485.15 for the 21-50 bracket. If the LPCHA loses its legal challenge, I believe the industry is heading towards a model where only a few big players operate, leading to a decline in competition. The company which has 20 drivers will not hire 21st driver, so small operators will not try to grow, even at peak times such as Christmas and New Year. This is bad news for everyone but the owners of those big companies who can then use the price surge – and we witnessed the effect that had during the snow of last month when it raised its prices by up to 500% whilst local cab firms kept their prices the same. But it isn’t just the drivers and the company owners who should be concerned about this. TfL have proposed a new series of costs which will cause devastation to the private hire industry in London and have a knock on effect to its many suppliers, from software providers like zoom to insurance companies and garages. There are people who will need to use minicabs regardless of the price increases, such as elderly people needing hospital appointments or special needs passengers. By removing competition TfL are allowing a monopoly to take place in London which will push up prices. Should these changes get the go-ahead then consumers can expect to see their local companies go out of business and owner-drivers be priced out of the market altogether, and for suppliers that also means a smaller market to sell to meaning a knock on contraction of the market from mechanics to insurance to technology. Consequently this makes it a matter for everyone who has ever or will ever use a minicab in the future and anyone connecting with the industry who doesn’t want to see it become a closed shop. Fareed Baloch is the chief operating officer of zoom.taxi which designs and creates bespoke apps for passengers, drivers and dispatchers.

April 24, 2018 at 05:12PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Winter escape: 7 nights in Portugal in top-rated 4* hotel from £279pp incl. flights

Pirates, pack your bags for Portugal with 7 nights in the Algarve from £279pp including the 4* Algar Seco Parque & flights. There are some great prices available if you travel in off-season: this high-rated aparthotel goes for around £800 in the peak summer season, so it's a big saving to visit in November or… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

All inclusive Turkey family holiday £282pp - 7nts 5* hotel w. waterpark, flights, bags & transfers

Ahoy mateys! Treat yourself to this luxury all inclusive holiday in Turkey offered by Thomas Cook staying in a luxe 5* hotel by the beach. This huge resort boasts a private beach, several pools, an aqua park, spa and much more. There are great prices for families and couples and there is even 10% off… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Marvellous Malta mini break: 4nts from £138pp - incl. flights & apartment

Pirates, it's time to bag a late-spring getaway to Malta - one of the jewels of the Med! At this time of year the temperatures are comfortably in the mid-20s and the crowds of summer are yet to arrive - the perfect time to bag a bargain in our Holiday Finder! You'll be staying at… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Funky London hotel stay from £47pppn - incl. breakfast: Right beside Shakespeare's Globe

Grab a stay in the capital at one of the coolest budget hotel's out there; the Ibis Styles Southwark -- a 3* property with 5* attitude. From it's boho-chic lobby to it's colourful themed rooms, you can get bed AND breakfast from as little as £47 per person, per night based on 2 sharing on… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Violent gang who targeted taxi drivers in a number of armed robberies sentenced to over 26 years

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Three armed robbers from Newcastle who targeted Taxi drivers with guns and machetes have been sentenced to over 26 years in total. The three serial attackers could be seen posing for pictures holding up the weapons they would use to threaten cab drivers into handing over cash. They would enter the taxi's posing as regular customers but once they were at secluded locations they would pull out their weapons and threaten to kill the drivers if they did not obey. It some cases they would even make the driver kneel on the floor ready to be executed. When the police eventually caught up with the attackers and searched their homes, they found masks from the cult horror movie scream and Guy Fawkes masks, along with balaclavas, an imitation firearm, a machete, a hunting knife and various stolen items.

Al-Hazzar Aremu, Brandon Makumbe and Silindokule Mabaso were all handed down lengthy sentences for a number of robberies that took place in 2017. Aremu, 18, was sentenced to 10 years in a young offenders institute. Makumbe, 21, was jailed for 9 years. Manado, 19, was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in a young offenders institute. The victims all said they feared for their lives and some have even been unable to return to work as taxi drivers.

April 24, 2018 at 01:16PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

What have you got Toulouse? Flights to France from £24 return (some weekends included)

Our jaws dropped pretty hard when we found these flights to the pretty French city of Toulouse starting from just £24 return to Toulouse from the UK. While the dates are pretty last-minute (travel is in May only), this is a great rate for this time of year. -- some weekend dates are even on… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Group mega bargain: 2 weeks in Crete from £163pp - 14nts hotel, flights, luggage & transfers

Pirates, any of you up for a cheap holiday in Greece this Spring, at this price you could go twice, we have come across a bargain 14 night holiday in Crete for under £170 per person. The holiday is with Tui and includes your direct flights, 15kg luggage and return airport transfers. Holiday details Travel… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Last minute 5* Cape Verde all inclusive break from £486pp - incl. 7nts resort, flights & bags

front. It has a selection of restaurants and bars on offer so you can put that all inclusive to good use never mind that lush pool scene. This scorching offer departs April 30th, so don't dawdle! For more options, see below. Treat yourself and the special pirate in your life to an all… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Summer in Cuba from £597pp: 7nts all inclusive beachfront stay, flights & transfers

If you're dreaming of laying on the beach, cocktail in hand without a worry in the world then this is the deal for you. We've tracked down this bargain All Inclusive holiday to Cuba that has prices starting from just £597pp - everything you need for a relaxing, carefree holiday is included: flights, luggage, transfers… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

It's time for Amsterdam - direct flights from £38 return

Get your next city trip planning off to a flying start with these super cheap flights to the 'must visit' destination of Amsterdam. Take in the sights sounds and smells this May - June, these flights depart from a number of UK airports so you don't have an excuse to pass on this opportunity. Flight… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Solo Slovenian mountain escape: 2nts from £159 incl. flights, hotel & breakfast

Fancy a mini-break but looking for a bit of a wild card? Something out of the ordinary? Tired of waiting around for your friends to make holiday plans? Well then, why not take yourself off to the magical mountains of Slovenia? This country has so much to offer, from gorgeous beaches to stunning mountain landscapes.… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Last minute May half term family Fuerteventura 4nt break from £179pp incl. flights & aparthotel

Well it looks like the most recent heat wave has disappeared, but if you'd like more than 2 days of sun but cannot wait until August, then check out this mini break to the Canaries during the May half term holidays! You and the whole family will be staying in a villa at the Pierre… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Italy beach holiday: Rimini 7nts from £263pp - incl. flights, hotel & breakfast

Ahoy mateys! Escape to Italy's Adriatic Coast with a holiday in Rimini right on the sandy beach! You will be staying at 4* Hotel Imperial Beach with breakfast included in your stay (and the option to upgrade) with good rates spanning May, September & October! Holiday details Travel duration: 7 nights (longer or shorter stays… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

UPDATED: Brighton and Hove lLcensing Panel Considers Uber Relicensing In All Day Meeting.

An all-day meeting of the Brighton and Hove city council licensing committee has heard from taxi and Privat hire companies who want Uber’s Licence revoked because it is not “fit and proper.”

Customers speaking in support of the ride-hailing app praised its convenience and user-friendliness. Well they would, they don't care about safety or regulation....they just want cheap.

But opponents have cited a data breach and a lack of wheelchair-accessible vehicles as reasons to pull the licence, which was first granted in November 2015. Also to be mentioned is the fact that Uber allows 13,000 of its London drivers to carry on working, knowing they've had fake criminal record checks and many have had fake medicals. Uber rapes by drivers on passengers were up last year by 50% to over one a week.

Chairwoman Cllr Jacqui O’Quinn told the meeting that under current cross-boarder regulations, even if the council revokes the licence, Uber drivers licensed elsewhere will still be entitled to operate in the city.

After lunch Uber barrister Philip Kolvin said the company was not trying was not trying to “skirt round” the city’s regulations. Makes a change from their normal policy of "it's easier to seek forgiveness than permission". 

He said Uber had regionalised its business and prevented London-licensed drivers from operating in the city. But speaking to local drivers, his is far from the truth as TfL roundels can be spotted daily on many vehicles working the Uber app.

Uber have tried bribing their drivers, offering them up to £1,000 to switch from a London licence to a Brighton licence. 

The company said they could have 20 wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV) by the time it has 100 drivers here. It currently has only has 62 with WAVs few and far between.

A decision will be announced on Wednesday.

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‘Queen’ takes taxi to see new royal arrival

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The “Queen” was quick to welcome William and Kate’s third child and her sixth great-grandchild by taking an iconic black taxi to St Mary’s Hospital. The Duchess gave birth to the fifth in line for the throne on Monday at the Lindo wing of St Mary’s Hospital, London.On closer expection though the Queen was actually a waxwork which brought much confusion, and later amusement, to the media and royalist fans waiting to catch a glimpse of the new prince.

To watch the video of the drive by click here!

April 23, 2018 at 08:34PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Swedish summer nights: Stockholm break 2nts from £118pp - incl. 4* hotel, breakfast & flights

Nip off to the Scandi-capital for a weekend of shopping, sightseeing and awesome al fresco dining and drinking during balmy summer evenings. We are of course talking about beautiful Stockholm! We've found great promotional rates over at 4* Birger Jarl Hotel placing you in a central location with walking distance to the main shopping streets,… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Start planning your epic road trip today: 10% off retro UK camper van hire - 3nts from £157pp

For those Pirates who are after a quirky getaway but do not wish to face the stress of the airport, how about setting off on a UK based road trip in a vintage VW camper van? Our friends at VW Camper Hire are offering 10% off hiring all of their camper vans! Each camper has… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT