The Regulatory & Appeals Committee of Boston Council met on Tuesday 21 July 2026 to discuss proposed increases to the maximum hackney carriage fare structure. The committee recommended to Cabinet that the proposed fare increases be approved, following a detailed discussion about the impact on both drivers and the public.

Maximum Hackney Carriage Fare Structure

The committee considered a report detailing a request from the Boston Hackney Carriage Association (BHCA) for an increase in the maximum hackney carriage fare structure. This follows a previous deferral of the decision in June 2026, when members requested further supporting evidence from the BHCA.

Anna McDowell, Senior Licensing Officer, presented the updated information, which included details of increased operating costs for taxi proprietors and drivers since the last fare review in August 2022. These costs included rises in insurance premiums, road tax, vehicle and driver licence fees, and servicing labour. The report also highlighted the general increase in the cost of living, such as mortgage interest rates, rental costs, and inflation in food and utility prices.

Councillor Stephen Woodliffe proposed, and Councillor John Baxter seconded, the recommendation to approve the proposed fare increases as set out in the report. Councillor Woodliffe stated, I agree with them council Woodliffe and accept the increases as proposed.

Councillor Stuart Evans supported the proposal, noting that the compounded inflation over the four years since the last increase was significant. He commented, I don't think that forty one point nine percent is that unreasonable under the circumstances.

However, Councillor Dale Broughton expressed reservations, stating, I I'm I'm still torn because obviously I I want businesses to succeed and obviously taxes are businesses I just I'm really struggling with a sixty one percent increase when you haven't come in the last four years for an increase. Councillor Broughton also raised concerns about the cost of public transport being cheaper than the proposed taxi fares.

The committee also discussed proposed changes to the commencement times for tariffs, including Tariff 2 starting at 9 pm instead of 11 pm, and changes to Christmas and New Year tariffs. The booking fee was proposed to increase from £8 to £10, and the initial fuel price surcharge was proposed to rise from 20 pence to £1.

Mr. Merlow, representing the Hackney Carriage Association, clarified that the proposed increases were maximum tariffs and drivers were free to charge lower amounts. He also addressed concerns about rural areas and vulnerable individuals, stating that drivers often maintained set prices for regular customers.

Councillor Baxter inquired about the comparison with private hire vehicles, and it was explained that private hire operators could set their own fares without restriction.

Ultimately, the committee voted to recommend to Cabinet that the proposed increases to the maximum hackney carriage fare structure be approved. The decision was made to vote on the recommendations as a whole package. The meeting concluded with the understanding that this recommendation would be presented to the Cabinet for their final consideration.