The Regulatory & Appeals Committee of Boston Council met on Wednesday 10 June 2026 to discuss the maximum Hackney carriage fare structure. The committee ultimately decided to defer a decision on the proposed fare increases, requesting more information and the presence of a representative from the Boston Hackney Carriage Association.

Maximum Hackney Carriage Fare Structure

The committee discussed a proposal from the Boston Hackney Carriage Association (BHCA) to increase the maximum fares for Hackney carriages. The BHCA requested an uplift in incremental increases for distance and waiting time, an amendment to the commencement time for Tariff 2, an increase in the maximum booking fee, and an increase in the initial fuel surcharge. The last fare increase was implemented in August 2022.

Anna McDowell, Senior Licensing Officer, presented the report, noting that the price of diesel had increased from £1.76 per litre in June 2022 to £1.88 per litre at the time of the report. She also highlighted increases in other running costs such as insurance and maintenance. The proposed increases would see the incremental charge for every 190 yards rise to 30 pence for Tariff 1, 45 pence for Tariff 2, and 60 pence for Tariff 3. The commencement time for Tariff 2 would move from 11 p.m. to 9 p.m., and the Christmas and New Year Tariff 2 commencement time would change from 4 p.m. to noon. The maximum booking fee was proposed to increase from £8 to £10, and the initial fuel surcharge from 20 pence to £1.

During the discussion, Councillor John Baxter noted that the proposed increases would make Boston's taxi fares significantly higher than those in neighbouring authorities. Councillor Jonathan Noble expressed concern that the proposed increases were excessive, suggesting a smaller increase would be more appropriate. Councillor Stephen Woodliffe, however, stated that he was happy with the proposed tariffs, arguing that it is a competitive business and operators can choose to charge less than the maximum. Councillor Suzanne Welberry supported the proposed increases, calculating that a 41.9% increase was reasonable when considering inflation and other rising costs over the past four years.

Councillor Anne Dorrian questioned the absence of the Portfolio Holder for Infrastructure, Councillor Christopher Mountain, and asked about the consultation process. Ms McDowell confirmed that the report had been circulated to the Portfolio Holder and that only three responses were received from the 138 licensed Hackney carriage drivers and proprietors. Councillor Dorrian also raised concerns about the potential impact of the fare increases on vulnerable residents, particularly the elderly and those in rural communities, and noted the lack of an equality and diversity impact assessment in the report.

Councillor Paul Gleeson agreed that there was justification for an increase due to inflation but felt the BHCA was over egging the pudding with a 40-odd percent increase. He suggested that a 10% increase above inflation since 2022 would be more appropriate. Councillor James Cantwell, representing a ward with a rural nature, echoed concerns about the impact on residents and the lack of evidence from the BHCA. He proposed moving to a yearly review of fares, a suggestion supported by Councillor Suzanne Welberry.

Councillor Baxter raised a technical question about the proportion of Hackney carriages compared to private hire vehicles, with Ms McDowell stating there were 124 Hackney carriages and 260 private hire vehicles. Councillor Woodliffe reiterated his view that the council should not set prices for private businesses.

Ultimately, a proposal to defer the decision was put forward by Councillor Neil Drayton and seconded by Councillor Jonathan Noble, citing the need for more information and the presence of a representative from the Boston Hackney Carriage Association. This motion was carried, meaning a decision on the fare increases was postponed. The process for public consultation was clarified, with statutory consultation only occurring after a decision had been made by Cabinet.