Two weeks left to have your say on new unified taxi and private hire licensing fees

29 January 2026

Taxi and private hire drivers, operators and wider stakeholders are being reminded that there are now just two weeks left to take part in West Northamptonshire Council’s consultation on proposed plans to introduce a single, unified fee structure for taxi and private hire licensing across the area.

The consultation, which runs until Thursday 12 February, seeks views on plans to introduce a single, unified fee structure for taxi and private hire licensing across West Northants. This forms part of the Council’s ongoing work to create a fair, consistent and transparent system for all taxi operators in the area.

Since the formation of West Northamptonshire Council, work has been underway to align the different licensing processes previously used by the former district and borough councils of Daventry, Northampton and South Northamptonshire. The proposed fees would bring these historic arrangements together into one clear structure for drivers, vehicles, and operators.

“Bringing our historic licensing arrangements together into one clear structure is a significant step for West Northants, and we want to make sure the trade and wider community have their say. Your feedback will help us create a system that is transparent, consistent and easier for everyone to navigate.”Cllr Andrew Last, Cabinet Member for HR, Corporate and Regulatory Services

Subject to consultation feedback and approval by the Taxi and General Licensing Committee, the revised fees would replace the historic charges set by the former councils with a unified structure that would come into effect in the Council’s next financial year, which starts from 1 April 2026.