Posted on the 24th November 2025 in PHTM News

FEAR BUSINESSES MAY BECOME UNVIABLE AS POWYS COUNCIL PROPOSES 8 PER CENT LICENCE FEE HIKE

Powys County Council is proposing an inflation-busting eight per cent increase to taxi licence fees for the second year running, a move that has sparked fears the hike could render small businesses "unviable."

The proposed rise, set to take effect from April 1, 2026, follows an identical eight per cent increase implemented earlier this year. The change would add an additional £9,800 to the council's cost recovery next year.

The proposal was discussed at the council’s Planning, Taxi Licensing and Rights of Way committee meeting on November 20. Licensing team manager Natalie Jones stated: “This report is to seek approval for proposed taxi fees to allow them to go out to public consultation in line with statutory requirements.”

Ms. Jones stressed that the council is legally bound to only achieve cost recovery and cannot make a profit from the fees. She added: “These proposed fees for 2026/2027 are a modest increase of eight per cent. We are confident they are a true representation of the costs incurred in issuing these licences.”

However, Councillor Angela Davies voiced serious concerns about the impact on local operators.

“I completely understand the need of covering the cost of managing these licences, but I think it’s important to say that most taxi firms are probably small businesses in Powys," Cllr Davies said.

She noted the high turnover of taxi firms in her area, suggesting it is "not a great money-making business."

Cllr Davies concluded by stressing the importance of the service, stating: “I am really conscious of making these small businesses unviable, and they are an important service to our residents, as we don’t have buses every 20 minutes.”

The proposal will now proceed to public consultation, and a further report will be brought back to the committee if any objections are received.


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