The Licensing and Regulatory Committee of West Suffolk Council met on Monday 6 July 2026. The primary item scheduled for discussion was a review of the council's Hackney Carriage Fares for 2026-27.

Review into West Suffolk Council's Hackney Carriage Fares for 2026-27

The committee was scheduled to consider a report, Report No: LIC/WS/26/002, concerning the review of taxi fares for West Suffolk. The report outlined proposals for revised fares, with a recommendation that the updated table of fares, detailed in Appendix A of the report, be approved.

The report noted that the Licensing and Regulatory Committee had previously resolved in January 2024 to review taxi fares annually. It was agreed at that time that the cost for a two-mile journey under Tariff 1 would increase in line with the Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) or by 5%, whichever was higher. The last increase in taxi fares took place on 23 May 2025.

The report explained that the council aims to encourage high-quality hackney carriage vehicles, necessitating fares that balance proprietors' running costs with passenger affordability. West Suffolk Council currently operates six tariffs, which vary based on the time of day and public holidays. The proposed fares are maximum charges, with drivers having the option to charge less.

For a two-mile journey under Tariff 1, the current fare is £8.00. The proposed increase, based on the agreed methodology, would result in a fare of £8.35. The report included a comparison of West Suffolk's proposed fares with those of neighbouring local authorities, showing the current West Suffolk fare and the proposed fare alongside figures from East Suffolk North, East Suffolk South, Ipswich, Mid Suffolk, and Babergh.

The report also addressed a temporary surcharge of £1 per journey that was approved in 2024 if petrol and/or diesel prices increased to £2 per litre. As of 22 June 2026, petrol was priced at £1.53.3 and diesel at £1.72.5, meaning the threshold for the surcharge had not been met.

The report detailed alternative options considered, including dispensing with the annual review link and introducing alternative review triggers, but this was not a current proposal due to fuel sector volatility and ongoing work with partners on expected updated guidance and legislation.

Consultation with the taxi trade had taken place, leading to alternative proposals from driver Hasan Akarsu and trade representative Emil Mckenzie. These proposals included different percentage increases and adjustments to tariffs 4, 5, and 6, as well as a suggestion to lower the fuel surcharge threshold to £1.50.

The report highlighted the risks associated with the proposals, noting that failing to review fares could be detrimental to proprietors if operating costs became unviable, while increasing costs could impact passengers reliant on taxis. The implications of approval included the requirement for the council to advertise the proposed fare increase in a local newspaper and allow a period for objections. The table of fares, if approved, would have effect as if included in the hackney carriage byelaws.

The report referenced several appendices, including the proposed fare card at a 5% increase (Appendix A), trade proposals for 10% and 15% increases (Appendices B and C), and examples of 5%, 10%, and 15% increases with adjustments for tariffs 4, 5, and 6 (Appendices D, E, and F). Appendix G contained the current taxi fare card from 2025. The report also linked to the minutes of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee meeting on 29 January 2024, where the annual review of taxi fares was initially resolved.