Taxi licences
Please view the Government advice: GOV.UK - Coronavirus (COVID-19): taxis and private hire vehicles
Tax conditionality
New tax requirement for applications to certain licences are being put in place by the Government. The tax check should only take a few minutes every few years and it is simple to confirm that someone is appropriately registered for tax.
Existing licence holders will be required to complete a tax check from 4 April 2022 for renewal of the following licences:
- combined hackney carriage and private hire drivers licence
- private hire vehicle operator licence
The tax check can be completed on GOV.UK, through a Government Gateway account GOV.UK - Complete a tax check for a taxi, private hire or scrap metal licence
When the tax check is complete, a code will be issued. This code must be given to the council. The licence application or renewal will not be processed until the tax check is completed and the code provided.
The council will not have access to any information about tax details, they will only receive confirmation from HMRC that the tax check is completed.
More information about the tax check can be found at:
- GOV.UK - Tax check factsheet, or
- GOV.UK - Changes for taxi, private hire or scrap metal licence applications from April 2022
Existing licence holders are encouraged to visit this website as soon as possible to ensure they understand the requirements before their licence is due for renewal. (This affects licences due for renewal from 4 April 2022 onwards).
COVID-19 guidance
Please continue to consult the Government website for important updates on coronavirus.
There is no longer a legal requirement for people with COVID-19 infection to self-isolate. However, if you have any of the main symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive test result, the public health advice is to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
Face coverings
There is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face covering. The Government suggests that you continue to wear a face covering in a crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet.
Operators are free to set their own requirements for wearing face coverings.
- GOV.UK - Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators and people who work in or from vehicles
- GOV.UK - Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
- GOV.UK - Coronavirus (COVID-19): taxis and PHVs
Please note that guidance is subject to change as per any Government updates.
Please view our Hackney carriage and private hire COVID-19 update
If you want to run a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle business, you will need to apply for the appropriate licence from the licensing authority you wish to operate in. If you do not know who that is, visit GOV.UK - Find your local council. Separate licences will be required for vehicles, drivers and operating companies.
The purpose of licensing is to ensure the safety of the public, by checking that the drivers are fit and proper, and that the vehicles they drive are safe, suitable and reliable.
If you are renewing your vehicle licence and looking to upgrade your existing licensed vehicle to electric, you may be eligible for a West Suffolk Council Greener Business Grant of up to £1,000. Please see our business energy efficiency pages for more information.
Find out more:
- To apply for a driver's licence
- To apply for a Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence
- To apply for a Private Hire Vehicle Licence
- To apply for an Operator's Licence
- Current Hackney Carriage tariffs or fare cards
- Taxi Safeguarding Information
Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Newsletter
- Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Newsletter November 2022
- Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Newsletter April 2022
- Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Newsletter December 2021
- Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Newsletter July 2021
- Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Newsletter December 2020
Taxi Drivers Forum minutes
- West Suffolk Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers Forum terms of reference
- Taxi Drivers Forum minutes 29 October 2020
- Taxi Drivers Forum minutes 28 July 2020
- Taxi Drivers Forum minutes 17 February 2020
- Taxi Drivers Forum minutes 30 October 2019
- These documents formed part of a committee report (item 11) for Licensing and Regulatory Committee - Monday 27 January