CONTROVERSIAL taxi firm Uber is no closer to being able to operate in Christchurch than it was when ait was granted a licence last year.

Uber was granted an operating licence by Christchurch council in July but still required a vehicle licence and drivers’ licence before being permitted to run in the borough.

At the time, a spokesman for the council said that they expected the firm to submit the other two applications quickly, although no request has been made.

The issue was raised by members of the council’s licensing committee on Monday during a debate on increases to taxi fares.

Council officer Sean Whitney said: “We had the application for an operator’s licence but we have had nothing since and maybe the outcome of today will lead onto something.”

Tariff increases were approved by the committee but are subject to a two-week public consultation.