Rutland taxi and private hire licensing fees set for changes from April 2025
Rutland County Council has announced a proposal to revise fees for Taxi and Private Hire Licensing, with the new rates expected to come into effect from 1 April 2025. The changes have been outlined as part of a statutory notification under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
The proposed amendments present a mixed picture for taxi and private hire drivers. New applicants for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver licences will see their fees harmonised to £133 for a three-year licence.
Currently, Hackney Carriage Drivers pay £176 for new applications and £111 for renewals, while Private Hire Drivers pay £143 and £111, respectively. The new structure simplifies and unifies the charges. However, renewal fees for both Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers will increase from £111 to £133.
For vehicle licensing, the cost of a one-year Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle licence will rise from £182 to £218. These changes mean a significant increase for vehicle operators. Furthermore, Private Hire Operators managing large fleets will experience substantial fee hikes. For instance, the fee for operators with 11 to 30 vehicles will increase from £385 to £668, while those overseeing over 50 vehicles will see fees jump from £385 to £970.
Additional miscellaneous fees will also increase. Replacement vehicle plates, driver badges, and document replacements are among the items facing a rise. A new charge of £10 will be introduced for replacement private hire vehicle door stickers. The proposed fees aim to address the administrative and regulatory costs associated with licensing.
The council has made provisions for public scrutiny and objections. The notice will be displayed for inspection at Rutland County Council’s reception in Catmose, Oakham. The consultation period allows the public to voice objections until 27 November 2024. If objections are received, they will be reviewed before the final implementation of fees, with modifications if necessary.
Should there be no objections, or if any raised are withdrawn, the new fee structure will automatically take effect on 1 April 2025. Written objections must be submitted to the council within the specified timeframe, and any such objections may be made publicly available.
