Taxis face big licence fee rises

MASSIVE increases in the licence fees paid by taxi and private hire drivers in Warrington are being proposed by borough council licensing chiefs.
Rises varying from 257 per cent to 10 per cent are being suggested in a report to the taxi and other licences committee.
If fees and charges are not increased, the deficit would have to be met from general funding – in other words, the council tax payers, a report to the committee states.
A risk assessment suggests that the increases could result in a reduction in the number of taxi and private hire licence holders.
But in reality, the report states, there is relatively little risk of this occurring.
The proposed increases would be subject to consultation and objections could be lodged.
If no objections are received, the increases could come into force by April 1.
If objections are received, any rises finally approved would come into force two months later.
If the rises proposed were all accepted, an estimated additional revenue of just under £40,000 would result.
The report states: “While it is recognised that some of the proposals represent very significant increases, the overall intention is to recover our true costs, while at the same time, remaining comparable to neighbouring local licensing authorities.”