ROUND THE COUNCILS
SHROPSHIRE: FEE INCREASE QUESTIONED
Taxi licence fees in Shropshire are set to rise following approval by the council’s Strategic Licensing Committee on 5 March. However, the new fee structure has drawn criticism from operators, who argue that renewal fees are unfairly higher than those for new applications in certain categories. The approved changes mean that operators with up to 31 vehicles and one base will pay £417 for licence renewals, up from £371, while new applications in the same category will cost £375, up from £328. This discrepancy has prompted a strong reaction from at least one PH operator who stated that having a higher cost for a renewal of any licence than for a new licence doesn’t make sense. They also questioned the explanation that the difference was due to the higher volume of renewals: “There are surely many more renewals than new applications, therefore the cost per licence would be cheaper for renewals?” Mandy Beever, licensing team manager, addressed the committee, explaining: “The renewals have an extra stage and cost as we send a renewal pack out. “We can charge extra fees to offset surplus and deficits within the renewals which aren’t attracted in the new applications. That’s why renewals are slightly more expensive than new applications.”
LEWES/ EASTBOURNE: 66 PER CENT FEES HIKE
Taxi drivers in Lewes and Eastbourne are facing a potential mass exodus as newly implemented licensing fees, some soaring by 66%, threaten to cripple their livelihoods. The hackney fleet now numbers just 89, compared to the influx of private hire drivers, primarily due to Uber. The Unite union warns that the drastic increases, imposed by Lewes DC and Eastbourne BC, could force many to abandon the industry. James Kiernan, a veteran Lewes taxi driver and union rep, expressed deep concern: “We’ve got a handful of drivers that I know of who are already looking for work before their licences run out,” he stated, highlighting the immediate impact of the new charges. The decision to increase fees was made at a full council meeting on 4 March and will see the cost of a three-year HC/PH/dual driver’s licence rise to £472.50
PHTM APRIL 2025
(from £315). An annual HCV/PHV licence will cost £308 (from £205), while various test fees will also drastically rise, such as the English language test retake fee which has surged by 66%, from £68.25 to £113.20. Adding to the drivers’ frustration is the fact that customer fares have remained stagnant since 2021. The councils, in a joint statement, defended the increases, citing “budget pressures related to taxis in our roles as licensing authorities, and to cover the increased operational costs due to CCTV data control.” They also highlighted the need to “fund extra resources to reduce a backlog in new applications, ensuring a more efficient service for the future’ specifically in Lewes District. However, Kiernan remains sceptical suggesting: “We would like to see the department audited.” Drivers also feel hard hit as they’ve recently had to spend c.£700 to install mandatory CCTV in their cabs.
NORTHERN IRELAND: CLASS C TAXI LICENSING REVIEW
Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, has announced a phased review of taxi policy and legislation, beginning with Class C taxi licensing, which includes wedding cars and Uber. The current system, established by the 2008 Taxis Act, will be examined to address concerns raised by the industry. Class C taxis, used for chauffeur services, weddings, funerals and courtesy transport, are also the category under which Uber operates in Northern Ireland. This means Uber vehicles are not required to display rooftop signs or install taxi meters. Minister Kimmins stated: “I appreciate there are a range of issues affecting the taxi industry in the North, and I am committed to working with the industry to address these.” Acknowledging the long-standing requests for a review, she added: “While a full review of the Taxi Act would not be possible within the remainder of the current mandate, I am pleased to announce a phased review startinging with Class C Taxi Licensing.” The initial review aims to “listen to concerns and consider options” with a focus on “maintaining a professional taxi industry, improving passenger safety and customer service and reducing illegal taxi activity.” Following the completion of the Class C review, the next phase will address “access to wheelchair- accessible vehicles,” another significant issue for the industry.
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