The Licensing and Appeals Committee of North Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 20 January 2026 to discuss and approve new fees and charges for hackney carriage and private hire licensing. The committee resolved to approve the proposed fees and charges, which will be implemented from 26 January 2026 to the end of March 2027.

Review and Harmonisation of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Fees and Charges

The committee considered a report detailing a new methodology for calculating fees and charges associated with hackney carriage and private hire licensing. The aim of this review was to harmonise the fee levels across North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) and ensure that the licensing service operates on a cost-neutral basis, recovering its reasonable costs without making a profit.

Amanda Wilcox, Head of Environmental Health, presented the report, explaining that prior to the formation of NNC, the four legacy councils had different fee structures that did not reflect the actual costs of administering the taxi licensing regimes. The proposed new fees were developed based on a detailed analysis of the resources required to process applications, including officer time and motion studies.

A key aspect of the proposed changes was the staggered implementation of fee increases over a two-year period, a request made by the Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration to mitigate the impact on the trade. For the period from 26 January 2026 to the end of March 2027, 50% of the proposed fee uplift will apply.

The committee heard from two members of the licensed trade, Mr. Crosbie and Mr. Rielly, who expressed concerns about the significant fee increases. They argued that the proposed fees would be prohibitive, particularly for those wishing to undertake part-time work, and that the trade was already diminishing due to previous policy changes. They suggested an audit to ensure the fairness and appropriateness of the proposals.

During the debate, councillors acknowledged the financial pressures faced by drivers but stressed the importance of consistency and harmonisation across the council. They noted that fees had not increased for five years and that the proposed increases, when assessed on a daily basis, were minimal. The principle of cost recovery for the licensing service was also highlighted as essential.

Ultimately, the committee voted to approve the recommendations. This included noting the new methodology and agreeing to structural changes in accounting arrangements, considering the outcomes of the public consultation, and determining the fees and charges that will apply from 26 January 2026 to the end of March 2027.

The decision means that drivers, vehicle proprietors, and operators will see changes to their licensing fees, with the aim of ensuring the taxi licensing service is financially sustainable and that costs are not borne by the wider taxpayer. The new fees are intended to align with legal precedents and the guidance issued by the Local Government Association¹ on setting licensing fees.