Ceredigion taxi fare rise of up to 10% moves closer as council weighs consultation
- Perry Richardson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Ceredigion County Council is considering whether to launch a statutory public consultation on increasing hackney carriage fares, following a formal request from the local taxi trade citing rising operating costs and concerns over driver earnings.
A report to the council’s Licensing Committee, meeting on 12 February, sets out proposals that could see fares rise by between 5% and 10%, marking the first review of the county’s taxi tariff since July 2022.
The request was submitted in August 2025 by a local taxi proprietor, arguing that higher vehicle costs, wages and general inflation have eroded driver incomes. The applicant initially proposed changes equivalent to an average increase of 23.7% across all fare components, including a £1 uplift on the first half mile and higher waiting time charges.
Officers have instead presented alternative scenarios based on feedback from a trade-wide survey, including more moderate increases of 5% or 10%. Under a 10% increase, the cost of a two mile journey would rise from £6.80 to £7.45, broadly in line with the UK average of £7.40. A 5% increase would take the same journey to £7.15.
Licensing committee to decide whether to consult on tariff increase following first review since 2022
Survey responses from licensed drivers and operators showed strong support for an increase, with 88% backing higher fares. Many respondents reported earning close to or below the minimum wage despite long hours, and argued that current daytime rates were no longer sustainable. The report says drivers linked fare rises to improved retention, vehicle standards and service reliability, while concerns over passenger affordability were raised by a minority.
The council also highlights that while fuel prices have fallen since 2022, the Consumer Prices Index rose by nearly 14% between July 2022 and November 2025, suggesting broader cost pressures remain. Comparisons with neighbouring authorities show Ceredigion’s current fares are mid range, though some nearby councils already charge higher per mile or waiting time rates.
Members of the Licensing Committee are being asked to choose whether to approve the proposed fares for public consultation, amend the level of increase before consultation, or reject the request entirely. If consultation proceeds, any objections would return to committee for final determination before new tariffs could be implemented.
