Andy Peters Brighton & Hove Cab Trade Association
info@bhcta.co.uk www.bhcta.co.uk
DEVOLUTION AND QUESTIONS
A different one this time - a question that I have sent to two Brighton & Hove councillors regarding Devolution and how this will affect the B&H taxi/PH trade now that there has been an official announcement by the government on what is going to happen here.
Background: Brighton & Hove became a Unitary Authority in 1997. The worst-case scenario under Devolution was the possibility that the council could have been swallowed up into a new ‘Sussex’ authority with a single taxi/PH licence. However, what the council wanted was to remain a Unitary Authority and land-grab three smaller neighbouring areas from Lewes DC, which is to the east of Brighton.
So, I think that is a partial relief at the moment. However, we still have the prospect of a new Sussex Mayor, which Brighton and Hove will fall under. As it seems that such Mayors will have control over transportation, I am still holding my breath about the future of the BH taxi/PH trade until I get assurance in writing. So, the following letter details what I have asked and I intend to publish the reply in the October edition of PHTM:
Councillor Bella Sankey Councillor Trevor Muten Brighton & Hove Taxi/PH Licensing
Dear Councillor Bella Sankey and Councillor Trevor Muten
Devolution and the Brighton & Hove Taxi/Private Hire Trade
I have previously corresponded on the unknown major changes that Devolution will bring, not only to the local Brighton & Hove taxi/private hire trade but also the trade on a national scale.
Trevor, you will recall I asked various questions at the Brighton & Hove taxi/PH trade meetings that you
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attended last year. Indeed, I was very straightforward with you about the possible consequences that Devolution would have for us.
However, you were not in a position to provide any answers at that point. You will also recall that my questioning made it very clear to all present that, at the time, the local trade was effectively in limbo with the prospect of being wiped out should any plans involved encompassing other licensing areas.
However, it has now been officially announced that the new Brighton & Hove devolved area will be taking over Saltdean, Peacehaven and Telscombe, that are currently in the area controlled by Lewes District Council. This means that Brighton & Hove will remain as a Unitary Authority albeit increased in size. So, on this basis I feel slightly relieved for the local licensed taxis/ph trade here. Nonetheless, there are still questions that need to be addressed.
New Sussex Mayor
Importantly, we now also have to consider that major changes may be made that will still affect the local trade here with the prospect of having a Sussex Mayor who will ‘rule’ over Brighton & Hove in 2028.
With that election now having been delayed, it is fortunate that we will be having you Bella (being Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council) serve as chair of the interim authority ahead of the future mayoral vote.
One responsibility of the new Sussex Mayor will be transportation and we do not know if the local Brighton & Hove taxi/PH sector will fall under this.
It is imperative, even at this early stage, that all of the Brighton & Hove licensed drivers, proprietors and operators should be given absolute assurances that the local Brighton & Hove taxi/PH trade will continue to function in exactly the same way as it does now.
This means that assurances must be given to the local trade that the new Sussex Mayor will not be decreeing that there will be a Sussex taxi/PHV licence encompassing the whole of Sussex incorporating Brighton & Hove.
Whilst I consider that this is probably not going to be the case, and that taxi/PH licences to drive and operate hackney carriages and private hire vehicles will remain
SEPTEMBER 2026 PHTM
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