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The Scrutiny Working Group on taxi services met on 1 July 2026 to be briefed by the Cabinet Member for Investment and Delivery and licensing officers on taxi and private hire licensing in Swansea. The minute records five conclusions and recommendations for the Convener's letter to the Cabinet Member, including continued pressure on Welsh Government for national taxi standards, closer work with neighbouring councils, and review of support for wheelchair accessible vehicles. The minute records no formal decision on the briefing itself.
There were no disclosures of personal and prejudicial interests.
None.
No public questions were received.
Cllr Hopkins and several officers attended to present their briefing and to answer questions from group members. • The Working Group explored how the taxi market has changed since the COVID pandemic. We were advised that Hackney Carriage (black cab) numbers have declined significantly, including the loss of approximately 150 wheelchair accessible vehicles. Private hire vehicles have increased substantially, driven in part by the growth of app based operators and more flexible working patterns. This shift reflects wider national trends. • Concerns are known nationally regarding access to wheelchair accessible vehicles which is not unique to Swansea. There have been no complaints regarding availability of private hire vehicles for use by the general public during school transport hours. • Members were informed of the licensing process, which includes detailed identity checks, enhanced DBS checks, medical assessments and continuous monitoring arrangements. • It explored the steps being taken to encourage the retention and provision of Hackney Carriages and wheelchair accessible vehicles. Officers explained that while the Council's role is not to actively recruit drivers, the service has sought to respond to concerns raised by the trade by adopting a flexible and pragmatic approach where this can be achieved safely. • Enforcement activity includes compliance checks and joint operations with the police and partner agencies. Multiple operations have taken place in recent months, resulting in suspensions, warnings and enforcement actions where necessary. The majority of vehicles were found to be compliant. • Officers explained the requirements for photographic driver badges to be displayed both by the driver and within the vehicle, alongside routine compliance checks and enforcement activity to ensure licensed drivers can be readily identified by passengers. • It explored the arrangements in place to ensure vehicles remain compliant with licensing requirements. Officers explained that drivers and proprietors are notified through renewal processes and are required to provide all relevant documentation before licences are renewed. It noted the use of licence plates displaying expiry dates, routine inspections, operator record checks and targeted enforcement activity. • Current legislation was discussed and that despite ongoing engagement with Welsh Government over a number of years, progress has been slow. • The introduction of consistent national driver and vehicle standards across Wales remains a key objective. Officers outlined the work already undertaken to strengthen safeguarding arrangements, improve suitability assessments, introduce mandatory card payments, enhance driver training and promote greater consistency across the sector. • It explored how fares are set, noting that Hackney Carriage tariffs are regulated by the Council, while private hire operators can set their own pricing structures, including dynamic pricing models. • We welcomed the progress made towards universal acceptance of card payments across the fleet, recognising both the safeguarding benefits and the convenience for the public.
From their discussions the Working Group Members made the following conclusions and recommendations which are summarised below: 1. The Working Group recommends continued and enhanced efforts to press Welsh Government to introduce consistent national taxi licensing standards. It further recommends that the Cabinet Member considers writing to the relevant Minister on behalf of the Council to emphasise the urgency of this issue. 2. Members recommend that the Council continues to strengthen collaboration with neighbouring authorities, to improve alignment of standards and enforcement practices while national legislation remains outstanding. 3. Given the significant decline in wheelchair accessible vehicles, it recommends that the Council keeps under review potential measures to support and encourage their provision, including consideration of incentives or alternative approaches where appropriate. 4. Members request a copy of the taxi licensing suitability guidance used by Licensing Officers when determining applications and reviewing licence holders. 5. Members recognise the professionalism, knowledge and thoroughness of the officers who attended the Working Group. Their ability to respond comprehensively to questions provided significant assurance regarding the effectiveness of the service.
Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings
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