Posted on the 10th September 2026 in PHTM News

BLAENAU GWENT TAXI FARE RISE FROZEN AFTER SURPRISINGLY LOW DRIVER RESPONSE

Plans to increase taxi fares in Blaenau Gwent have stalled after only three out of 118 licensed drivers responded to a public consultation.

Councillors on the General Licensing Committee met on Thursday, September 3, to review the consultation results after drivers initially enquired about a fare hike around April amid spiking fuel costs.

The last fare increase took place in June 2022 during the cost-of-living crisis and the war in Ukraine, when fuel hit £1.99 a litre. Although prices dropped subsequently, fuel began climbing again in February following conflict involving the USA, Israel, and Iran, with current averages sitting around £1.83 a litre.

Trading standards and licensing team manager Steve Osborne reported that the council consulted 118 hackney carriage drivers in May, but received just three replies.

Mr Osborne said: “Two responses were received, both agreed with an increase in tariffs. One agreed to the proposal and the other one requested an increase in the waiting time. Another respondent put forward a different proposal.”

He also noted that updating meters to reflect any changes would cost between £25 and £30 each, while older meters could require replacements costing £300 or more.

Committee chairwoman Councillor Lisa Winnett expressed surprise at the apathy, noting: “Normally when we go out to the trade on something like this, we have an influx of drivers answering the consultation. So, it surprises me that only three wrote in out of 118, because normally taxi drivers are very vocal.”

She suggested the silence meant drivers “don’t want an increase,” adding: “They could be worried that a fare increase is going to cost them work as people are not going to afford it.”

Councillor Dean Woods agreed that the feedback level was too low to gauge genuine interest, while Councillor Diane Rowberry asked: “If that’s how the drivers feel, why should we interfere?”

Councillors ultimately voted to freeze fares and maintain the current rates unless extenuating circumstances arise, with a proviso that just 11 drivers - representing 10 per cent of the trade - could prompt a review.

The recommendation now goes to the council’s joint director of neighbourhoods and environment, Mark Thomas, who will make the final decision.


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