West Northamptonshire Council is inviting taxi and private hire drivers, operators, and other stakeholders to share their views on proposed changes to the local Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy. The consultation, which launched today, 12 October 2026, is part of the Council’s ongoing efforts to establish a fair, consistent, and transparent system for all taxi operators in the region.
The consultation period will run until midnight on Sunday 6 December. Under national legislation, all individuals wishing to drive or operate a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle in West Northants must hold the appropriate licence issued by the Council. The policy outlines the required standards for drivers, vehicles, and operators, focusing on continuous improvement and robust measures to ensure public safety.
The review of the policy was prompted by continued engagement and requests from local licensed drivers, vehicle proprietors, and operators seeking simplification. Councillor Andrew Last, Cabinet Member for HR, Corporate and Regulatory Services, highlighted the importance of these services. "Taxis and private hire vehicles play an important role in helping people get around West Northamptonshire," he stated.
Cllr Last added, "Our policy is designed to keep passengers safe while ensuring a fair and transparent system for drivers, vehicle owners and operators. We're proposing a number of updates based on changes in legislation, lessons we've learned, and feedback from the people who work in the industry every day. We want to hear from as many people as possible. Whether you're a resident, driver or operator, this consultation is your opportunity to share your views and help us ensure local services continue to meet the needs of our communities."
Further details and the opportunity to participate in the consultation can be found on the Council's website.
