Law firm warns PHV prices will hit those who can ‘afford it the least’ should Uber win in court
A Chester law firm representing clients in a major lawsuit that could see the price of private hire vehicle (PHV) journeys rise across the UK has warned the impact ‘will hit the pockets of those who can afford it the least’.
The case brought by Uber has now reached a crucial phase and, depending on a judge’s final decision, it could force the entire private hire industry to charge VAT on all journeys for the first time.
Ride-hailing giants Uber have already moved to charge VAT on all its journeys as a result of a series of court cases. The global operator is now asking for the same to apply to all of its competition around England and Wales.
If the ride hailing firm is successful in its bid to sue Sefton Council over the terms for operators outside London, it could mean fares rising by a fifth across the UK.
The case in the High Court began hearing submissions last week with all arguments concluded on Friday. The judge has reserved judgment whilst she considers those arguments that were put to her.
North West legal firm Aaron & Partners is representing a group of Liverpool taxi firms involved in the case, including Delta Taxis.
Layla Barke-Jones, a Partner in the firm’s Dispute Resolution team, said: “We are pleased to have had the opportunity to represent the views of our clients in the High Court last week, and we hope to have done enough to protect one of the traditional models of the private hire industry.
“Whether it’s parents on the school run, the elderly accessing vital services such as shops and medical appointments, or people with disabilities travelling from A to B, private hire services are simply vital to communities up and down the country.”
The case comes after Uber revealed last week it was to hand £615m in tax to UK authorities – following the settlement of unpaid VAT.
The ride hailing app had argued in the past that it was exempt from paying VAT with its drivers classified as self-employed. A landmark court ruling later clarified its drivers were indeed classed as ‘workers’.
With Uber’s revenue massively exceeding the VAT threshold, the company started to charge passengers an additional 20 percent to cover VAT. Now, Uber wants UK private hire firms to do the same, and has launched a legal bid against Sefton Council to force them to do so.
Ms Barke-Jones added: “If the consequences of the declaration sought by Uber do arise, as warned by Delta and others, it is likely to bring about a significant rise in fares that will hit the pockets of those who can afford it the least.
“It would also come at a time when people all over the country are already feeling the squeeze of a cost-of-living crisis, with many other basic necessities starting to become unaffordable.
“Simply put, the magnitude and implications of this case will be vast and wide-reaching. We eagerly await its conclusion.”
A decision from the court is expected to be handed down before the end of the year.
