Posted on the 5th February 2026 in PHTM News

BARNSLEY DRIVERS FACE 10% HIKE IN LICENSING FEES

Barnsley taxi and private hire drivers are looking at a potential 10 per cent increase in licensing fees as the local council moves to balance its books.

Under new proposals to be discussed at the licensing regulatory board on February 11, the cost of a standard one-year driver’s licence would jump from £150 to £165, while those opting for a three-year licence would see prices climb from £240 to £264.

Fees for vehicle licences would increase from £180 to £198, and operator licences would also rise depending on their length.

The council insists the price hike is a necessary step to ensure that fees "accurately reflect the cost of running the licensing service," which includes processing applications, checks and inspections, and issuing licences.

According to the report, the licensing team has ramped up their workload lately, specifically increasing the number of compliance checks "to ensure that public safety remains a priority."

To justify the increases, officers conducted detailed time-monitoring studies to pinpoint exactly how long each administrative task takes.

However, the changes aren't set in stone just yet. The council must first launch a 28-day public consultation to give local drivers and residents a chance to air their grievances.

If no objections are received, the new rates will come into force on 13 March 2026.

But if objections are raised, councillors will have to head back to the drawing board to "consider them before deciding whether to approve, amend or withdraw the proposals." 

The council plans to review the fees again in a year to keep costs aligned with the service provided.


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