Posted on the 13th November 2026 in PHTM News

TELFORD AND WREKIN COUNCIL APPROVES HIKE IN TAXI LICENSING FEES

Telford & Wrekin Council has approved its first increase in taxi licensing fees in two years, despite objections from private hire drivers and hackney carriage operators.

At a regulatory committee meeting on Wednesday, November 11, councillors voted four to two to raise charges so the service can cover "reasonable and legitimate costs" without making a profit. 

Under the changes, new driver application fees will rise from £172 to £200, while driver renewal fees will increase from £145 to £160. 

Operators with more than 50 private hire vehicles will see renewal fees jump from £950 to £1,020. 

Most increases take effect in April 2027, though a new £40 fee for vehicle compliance inspections begins immediately.

Conservative group deputy leader Rachael Tyrrell voted against the taxi hikes, warning that higher costs could drive trade away to neighbouring authorities. "If work goes to other councils we lose control," Cllr Tyrrell said. "I would prefer to keep those fees where they are."

However, Labour councillor Giles Luter backed the decision, noting that two years without a price rise was "a reasonable amount of time to give people breathing space". He added: "We have got to ensure we are not subsidising with public money."


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