
Taxi fares in Wealden could rise for the first time in four years under new proposals being considered by local councillors. On Monday July 27, Wealden District Council’s General Purposes and Licensing Committee will meet to discuss boosting maximum Hackney Carriage fares by 10 per cent starting September 7.
Council officers described the proposed rise as "reasonable" in a report prepared for the meeting, explaining that it reflects the growing financial pressures and rising costs faced by drivers since the maximum rates were last adjusted in October 2022.
The push to review fares began earlier this year in response to inflation, with initial reports noting a general price increase of roughly 14.6 per cent over the past four years. While fuel costs had temporarily dropped from 188 pence per litre in late 2022 to 141 pence per litre early this year, diesel prices have steadily climbed back up due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Fuel prices hit an average of 155 pence per litre when the committee reviewed the proposal in March and have since escalated to approximately 169.8 pence per litre.
The upcoming vote follows a public consultation launched in March, which drew four formal objections from local drivers and the Wealden Drivers' Association.
Two objectors opposed the rate hike entirely, while another urged the council to instead implement extra charges for passengers travelling with dogs alongside an earlier start time for higher night-time rates.
Another driver argued that the proposed timeline for the fare increase was taking too long to take effect.
While the Wealden Drivers' Association supported reviewing and raising maximum fares overall, the group voiced concerns regarding the specifics of the proposed fare structure.
If the committee approves the plans on Monday, it will recommend the 10 per cent increase to the relevant cabinet member, who holds the authority to make the final decision.

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