Decision

1. 1.1

In late March 2026, representatives of the Hackney Carriage trade and individual licence holders requested a review of Hackney Carriage fares, together with the introduction of a temporary fuel surcharge, in response to rising fuel costs. Following consideration of this request, the Environmental Services and Regulation Policy Committee, at its meeting on 19th June 2026, approved the introduction of a fuel surcharge linked to prevailing fuel prices, alongside the removal of the additional £2 charge currently applied for journeys involving five to eight passengers, irrespective of distance travelled. The Committee's approval was subject to the completion of the statutory consultation process and consideration of any objections received.

1. 1.2

The Council has received formal objections to the proposed amendments. Members considered a report setting out the objections received, together with updated evidence relating to fuel prices. The report recommended that the current Hackney Carriage fare structure remains unchanged at this time, with all fare-related matters instead being considered as part of the comprehensive Hackney Carriage fare review scheduled for November 2026.

1. 2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Environmental Services and Regulation Policy Committee:

a)    Notes the objections received during the statutory consultation period in relation to the proposed amendments to the Hackney Carriage Table of Fares.

b)    Determines that no amendments will be made to the Hackney Carriage Table of Fares at the present time, and that the existing fare structure shall remain unchanged.

c)    Notes that a comprehensive review of Hackney Carriage fares is scheduled to be undertaken in November 2026, at which point all fare-related matters will be considered in full.

1. 3

Reasons for Decision

1. 3.1

The proposed decision takes account of the objections received during the statutory consultation process, updated diesel fuel price information, and further information obtained regarding the operation of Hackney Carriage taximeters and the impact of the proposals on the licensed Hackney Carriage fleet. 

Since the Committee's decision on 19th June 2026, officers have undertaken further consideration of the objections received, updated fuel price information, the operation of Hackney Carriage taximeters and the composition of the licensed Hackney Carriage fleet. Whilst fuel prices continue to place financial pressures on licence holders, the objections received have highlighted significant concerns regarding the proposed removal of the existing £2 additional charge for journeys

involving the carriage of between five and eight passengers, particularly in relation to the higher operating costs associated with larger vehicles.

Having considered these factors, officers consider it appropriate to retain the current Hackney Carriage fare structure at this time. This approach will allow all elements of the fare structure to be considered comprehensively as part of the Hackney Carriage fares review scheduled for November 2026, ensuring that any future amendments are informed by up-to-date evidence, stakeholder engagement and a

holistic assessment of the needs of both the trade and the travelling public.

1. 4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

1. 4.1

Alternative Option 1:

Implement the Proposals Approved by Committee on 19th June 2026

This option would involve proceeding with the introduction of the temporary fuel surcharge and the removal of the existing £2 additional charge for journeys involving the carriage of between five and eight passengers. Whilst this option would be consistent with the Committee's previous decision, it is not recommended in light of the objections received during consultation, the operational and implementation considerations identified following further investigation, and the forthcoming comprehensive fare review This option is therefore not recommended.

1. 4.2

Alternative Option 2:

Introduce a Fuel Surcharge Whilst Retaining the Existing 5-8 Passenger Charge

This option would involve implementing the temporary fuel surcharge whilst retaining the existing £2 additional charge for journeys involving the carriage of between five and eight passengers. This option is not recommended, as taximeter functionality differs across the Hackney Carriage fleet and could therefore create operational difficulties, as well as confusion for both licence holders and passengers. In addition, this option may further increase the cost of Hackney Carriage journeys for passengers, as it could result in two separate supplementary charges being applied in addition to the standard fare, depending on the prevailing average diesel price.