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Posted on the 5th June 2025 in PHTM News
CHICHESTER TAXI DRIVERS FACE ANOTHER FEE HIKE AS COUNCIL SEEKS TO BALANCE BOOKS
Taxi licensing fees in Chichester are set to increase by a further 10 per cent, following a decision by the district council to address a significant deficit in its licensing operations.
The move comes after a forecasted shortfall of £23,700 in the council's hackney carriage and private hire vehicle licensing budget. Legally, these costs are meant to be fully covered by income from fees and charges.
This latest increase follows an 18.5 per cent rise that just came into effect on April 1st of this year.
The decision was made during a meeting of the general licensing committee on Wednesday, June 4th. While acknowledging the disappointment, Councillor Tim O’Kelly stated: "I do understand the need for the council to balance the books and that the fees charged need to reflect the amount that it costs us to do the work."
However, the news has been met with strong opposition from some in the taxi trade.
A spokesperson for Starline Sussex Limited, a local operator, expressed their dismay, saying they were "appalled" by the decision. They added: "This will no doubt affect the trade in Chichester in addition to recruitment as drivers will look to other areas who have more favourable fees."
Starline Sussex Limited also criticised the council's past approach, arguing that if officers had increased fees annually – noting there had been no increase since 2016 until last year – the council would not be facing its current financial predicament.
The fee increases will see the cost of a one-year dual hackney carriage/private hire driver's licence rise to £216 from the current £196.71 (up from £166 before April). A one-year renewal will now cost £174.50, up from £158.79 (£134 before April).
For three-year licences, the cost will increase to £481.50 from £437.86 (£369.50 before April), with renewals rising to £439.50 from £399.94 (£337.50 before April).
Despite a consultation in March and April that saw over 700 emails sent to drivers and operators, only 14 responses were received. The majority of these responses conveyed a consistent message: another rise in costs would force them to question the sustainability of continuing to operate in Chichester.
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