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TaxiPoint reports a Budget measure to clarify VAT on public and workplace EV charging. The official policy paper gives 1 November 2026 as the intended start date for affected supplies, with legislation planned in Finance Bill 2026-27. Qualifying residential charging remains distinct. This is not an announcement of an automatic price rise: operators already applying standard-rate VAT would not necessarily need to alter their prices.
TaxiPoint reports that Wolverhampton is inviting objections to proposed hackney-carriage fares. The council-signed notice was published on 29 October and requires objections to arrive by 14 November 2026. These proposals concern hackney carriages, not private-hire fares, and are not confirmation of rates already in force. The notice does not explicitly cover Saturday daytime or Sunday-to-Thursday overnight journeys, so those periods still need clarification.
According to taxi-point.co.uk, 15 Wolverhampton private hire vehicles passed tyre safety checks in Liverpool during Storm Boelo. City of Wolverhampton Council officers partnered with Merseyside Police on Saturday night for Tyre Safety Month. A spokesperson stated all checked PHVs had excellent tyres fitted.
TaxiPoint reports Bury officers propose extra transition time for existing private-hire vehicles outside the age policy. Affected proprietors whose renewal falls after 4 January 2027 could seek renewal, with compliance tests and replacement required by 31 May 2027. The report lists Licensing and Safety Committee consideration on 5 November and Full Council on 11 November. These are pending recommendations, not an extension already in force. The adopted age limits would remain unchanged; the proposed extra time concerns affected existing vehicles under transitional arrangements.
According to TaxiPoint, the government plans to make larger private hire operators liable for 20% VAT on the full value of fares from 2 January 2028. The official Budget says an annual fare-turnover threshold of £50 million is the lead option for consultation, alongside final policy design. The threshold is not settled, and this announcement does not mean every private hire firm or driver must immediately add 20% to fares.
According to TaxiPoint, GMB says Uber declined its request for a temporary commission reduction to help drivers facing higher fuel costs. The union's 28 October bulletin reports that Uber instead pointed to fuel-station discounts and raised concerns about a surcharge affecting trip demand. GMB disputed that argument. This is the union's account of the meeting, rather than a jointly agreed statement or an announcement of reduced commission.
According to TaxiPoint's new safety explainer, passenger drop-offs need a final check before anyone opens a door. Existing Highway Code Rule 239 calls for checks for cyclists and traffic, recommends the opposite-hand opening technique where possible, and says the kerb side is safer for passengers. This is a reminder of existing guidance, rather than a new taxi licensing rule or a finding about fault in a particular collision.
According to HM Treasury, Budget 2026 announces a six-month extension of the existing 5p-per-litre fuel duty cut, covering 1 January to 30 June 2027. Restoration of the 5p and the deferred Retail Prices Index uprating are planned from 1 July. The government plans legislation for these measures. This extends an existing reduction, rather than announcing an additional 5p cut in pump prices today.
TaxiPoint reports a proposed £10 million, excluding VAT, arrangement for ComCab to continue London's Taxicard service. The official transparency notice describes a proposed one-year direct contract while a longer-term service is prepared and procured. It records the award as pending, with a proposed contract period of 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2028. The notice is not confirmation that the contract has already been signed.
According to PHTM, Sevenoaks councillors are due to consider a taxi fare review on 3 November. The council's report puts a 10% increase among the options and asks members to weigh consultation responses, including changes sought by drivers to night charges. It recommends 1 December for implementation if changes are agreed. Council decisions are still pending, so the proposed figures remain options for the review.
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