Review of taxi prices looms

Argyll and Bute Council is required to review the minimum fares for taxis every 18 months, and the process is now due to begin again. Any changes to minimum fares will apply from October.

The last review saw councillors decide in December 2024 that a 10 per cent increase to minimum fares would be applied from April 2025.

A report asking councillors to agree to begin the review will be considered by the authority’s planning, protective services and licensing committee on Wednesday, April 22.

Executive director Douglas Hendry said: “Section 17 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 states that ‘the licensing authority must fix scales for the fares and other charges within 18 months beginning with the date on which the scales came into effect’.

“In terms of the last review the fares came into force on April 22, 2025. The next fares scale will need to come into force in October 2026. Therefore the review process would require to commence in April 2026.

“At the meeting on December 18, 2024 the committee agreed that there be a 10 per cent increase to existing scales and that this will take effect from April 22, 2025.

“In terms of Section 17 of the Act in carrying out a review of taxi fares, the licensing authority must consult with persons or organisations appearing to it to be, or to be representative of, the operators of taxis operating within its area.

“Following the consultation [it must] review the existing scales [and] propose new scales, whether at altered rates or the same rates.”

Mr Hendry added: “Members are invited to agree that the next taxi fare review should commence in order that it can be completed within 18 months as required by the 1982 Act, and agree that the consultation required in terms of the Act will be in writing.”