Posted on the 20th April 2026 in PHTM News

WEST NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPROVES TAXI FEE HIKES AMID CLAIMS OF "PURE GREED"

West Northamptonshire Council has voted to increase taxi licensing fees across the region, sparking an angry reaction from drivers who say the move could force them out of business.

The council is introducing a single fee structure to replace the old systems used in Northampton, Daventry, and South Northants.

A licence for a new private hire vehicle was previously charged at £198 in Northampton, £173 in Daventry and £270 in South Northants. The proposed West Northants fee is now £235.

A new driver’s licence for three years would also increase from a £190 charge in Northampton, £200 in Daventry, and £200 in South Northants to a standard £245 across West Northants.

The cost of a three-year renewal will also be set at £233, up from £140, £187 and £200 respectively across the Northampton, Daventry and South Northants areas.

Local drivers hit back during a consultation, with over 60 people opposing the charges. One driver warned that the rising cost of fuel and insurance is already a struggle, stating: “If fees continue to rise, the profession will become unviable, leading to fewer licensed drivers, reduced services, and a negative impact on the wider community.” 

Another critic was more blunt, labelling the price hike as “pure greed” and accusing the council of “taking advantage of the working class.”

There are also fears that the higher costs will lead to a drop in safety. One licensed driver argued that the hikes could encourage illegal driving, which “undermines the very purpose of regulation.” 

Others complained about the lack of support from the local authority, noting: “The council provides little visible support in return for the fees charged, while road conditions remain poor and cause ongoing vehicle damage.”

The council maintains that by law they cannot make a profit from these fees and must only cover "reasonable costs."

Officials argued that the new system ensures "fairness" by charging everyone the same amount regardless of where they live.

Supporting the move, Councillor Peter Matten said: “I have sympathy for the licence holders that have written in, but unfortunately everything goes up... we do have to recover our costs and that’s what this is intended to do.”

The new fees were officially approved at a committee meeting on Tuesday, April 14.


Read another story