Cab licence fees may treble

OVERHEADS for new taxi drivers and animal welfare operators will soar if proposals to increase licence fees are approved.

Authorities in Stockport also plans to start charging developers for pre-planning advice.

Town hall bosses have tabled a number of proposals in a bid to generate extra cash as the council attempts to balance the books.

For cab drivers, the cost of a new 12-month licence will more than treble from £67 to £245 – and a three-year permit will cost £297.

Meanwhile, to renew a hackney and private licence the cost will reduce from around £189 to £157.

The extra charges could generate £28,000 for the authority.

A council report reads: “Fees for new licences will increase to cover additional costs associated with their applications, such as safeguarding checks.”

Meanwhile, licence fees for animal boarding kennels, breeders, pet sales and stables will almost treble from £84.50 to £240.

The new tariff is expected to earn £24,000 for the council.

The authority also aims to introduce fees for advice on new developments, or renovation projects.

Bosses say paying for planning advice is ‘common practice’ and is generally accepted by developers.

“The charges will reduce the number of pre-application inquiries, which will enable officers to claw back time and resources,” stated the report.

Application advice for an average house renovation will cost £70, or for large-scale developments £2,500.

If approved, the council will generate an annual income of £67,000.