Taxi drivers object as Telford & Wrekin Council considers raising licence renewal charges

Taxi drivers have objected to Telford & Wrekin Council plans to increase a range of fees and charges on the trade, a report notes.

A meeting next week will be told the council last reviewed fees and charges for Hackney carriage, private hire and gambling licences in 2024.

Councillors will be told that proposals to increase fees for taxi drivers attracted seven objections from members of the private hire trade and a petition signed by 12 members of the Hackney carriage trade.

The council is proposing to increase fees for renewals of vehicle licences from £145 to £160, driver renewals from £162 to £190, and introduce a new £40 fee for vehicle compliance inspections.

Also included in a review are fees and charges associated with zoos, mobile home parks, and street trading.

The regulatory committee meeting on Wednesday (November 11) will be told that no responses were received about street trading and Gambling Act fees.

"The vehicle compliance inspection fee has been introduced to support vehicle proprietors and to recover the costs associated with the administration and delivery of vehicle inspections," a report to councillors read.

"These inspections are carried out prior to the grant or renewal of a vehicle licence and are required either annually or every six months, depending on the age of the vehicle.

"The fee covers officer time in arranging, conducting and recording inspections, ensuring that licensed vehicles continue to meet the council's safety and compliance standards."

The report stated that the council can recover the costs of administering licences for Hackney carriage or private hire taxis, gambling, general licences including street trading, scrap metal, animal establishments and mobile home sites.

There are also permits, registrations and licences where the level of fees are either set by statute or statutory instrument.

Council officers stated that when setting fees the council must have regard to the impact that any increase may have upon the livelihood of licence holders.

"The council follows the Local Government Association guidance on locally set licence fees to ensure a fair and transparent approach for local businesses and communities.

"The licensing team strives to streamline processes and maximise efficiency in order to reduce the burden on business."

Committee members will be told that they could decide not to increase the fees and charges when they meet.

But this would mean that the council will not recover costs in administering licences and its costs of monitoring compliance.

The committee has been recommended to review and approve new fees and charges.

The new £40 fee for vehicle compliance inspections will take effect immediately if the committee approves. All other fees and charges will come into effect on April 1, 2027.