ROUND THE COUNCILS: FEES MERTHYR TYDFIL:


FIRST FEE HIKE IN NINE YEARS PROPOSED


Taxi drivers in Merthyr Tydfil could see their licensing costs jump for the first time since 2017 as the local council moves toward a “full cost recovery” model. Under the new proposals, which were agreed for consultation on March 4, new three-year driver licences would rise from £272 to £312, while PHOr fees for a five-year period could more than double, increasing from £135 to £394. Council leaders argue the hike is necessary to ensure the licensing service remains sustainable and continues to uphold public safety standards. Cllr Brent Carter, the Labour leader of the council, described the move as a “balanced and responsible” step that acknowledges the financial realities of the service after years of supporting the trade through the pandemic and fuel price spikes. However, the plans have met resistance from Independent councillors who fear the extra costs could cripple taxi services in outlying areas. Councillor Michelle Symonds warned that for many residents, particularly the elderly and those in rural communities like Bedlinog and Trelewis, taxis are “not a luxury but essential.” She argued that raising fees without a clear plan for rural transport risks leaving vulnerable people stranded, stating that “consultation should follow evidence. Not precede it.” The council expects the fee changes to generate an additional £13,545 annually from vehicle licences alone. If no objections are raised during the upcoming consultation period, the new price scale will take effect on May 1, 2026.


GLOUCESTER: 15% FEE HIKE OVER NEXT 3 YEARS


Taxi operators in Gloucester are set to pay the price for a long-standing “financial fiasco” at the city council. Following a recent review,


officials


discovered a 28% shortfall in licensing income, a discrepancy blamed on the chaotic state of the council’s accounts following a 2021 cyberattack. The digital breach forced bosses to use manual accounting for three years, leading to inaccurate budgets and a £15.5m government bailout. To bridge the gap, the council plans to hike licensing fees by 15% annually for the next three


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years. While the council is legally barred from making a profit on these charges, the current fees no longer cover the basic costs of issuing licences. Under the new plans, companies with more than 31 vehicles will see fees increase from £1,530 to £1,759 for a one-year operator licence or from £6,120 to £7,038 for five years. A three-year driver’s licence will jump from £251 to £289, while renewals will rise from £210 to £241. Costs for the Knowledge Test and safeguarding training, are also set to increase. The trade has expressed deep concern over the timing of the hikes. Elena Vlad, from Associated Taxis, noted that a 15% increase is a “significant jump” for those already struggling with high fuel and insurance costs. She said: “Most taxi drivers are self-employed and working long hours just to keep their businesses running. Any increase in licensing fees inevitably puts more pressure on the trade and can make it harder for drivers to stay in the industry. “We hope the council continues to work with the trade and ensures that any fee increases are fair, transparent and reflect the real costs involved.” Despite the pressure on drivers, licensing lead Darren Mountford argued that the 15% rise was “reasonable” compared to an immediate 28% increase, which he described as “massive.” By capping the hike at 15%, the council will effectively absorb the remaining 13% deficit for the next two years. The committee voted to unanimously approve the fee increases to begin on May 1, 2026, pending a 28-day public consultation.


FOREST OF DEAN: NEW FEES COMING INTO FORCE


Forest of Dean DC has unveiled a new price list for taxi and PH licences and operators. The updated charges are scheduled to take effect following a 24-day consultation period. Under the new structure, a fresh licence for a HC or PH driver will cost £326, while those looking to renew will be charged £240. The council has also revised costs for knowledge tests, badge replacements, and licence transfers. Vehicle fees have seen a similar adjustment, with new HC plates priced at £334 and PHVs at £326. Operators have also been impacted, with a 5-year licence now costing £522, or £131 for a 1-year option. The council explained the price hikes are: “necessary to cover administrative and compliance costs.”


APRIL 2026 PHTM


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