Members of the Wolverhampton Taxi and Private Hire Federation have voiced frustration over what they claim are lengthy delays in the renewal of taxi and private hire licences by Wolverhampton City Council.
The group met on Tuesday, 5 August, to discuss next steps, accusing the council of “dragging their feet” over the issue.
Under current rules, drivers must renew their licences annually after the age of 65 for medical reasons, or every three years if younger. However, federation chairman and campaigner Balbir Singh says drivers are experiencing long waits, with many being told their licences are simply “extended” rather than formally renewed.
“That doesn’t give drivers the assurance they need that they are licensed and insured for the necessary period,” Singh said. “Some are unable to drive legally in the interim. The stated time for a reply is supposed to be ten days, but it’s often longer – especially with new staff who seem unsure of the process.
“We understand the council processes many applications from outside the city, but their first priority should be hackney carriage and private hire drivers from Wolverhampton. Drivers in the city have lost confidence in the licensing department to renew permits quickly so they can get back to work and earn again.”
Singh also criticised what he described as a bureaucratic system, claiming drivers “have to beg” to meet with council staff and are instead told to contact the department only by email or phone.
Figures published by the GMB Union last September revealed that Wolverhampton Council issued almost 90% of all new private hire licences in the Midlands in 2024. Between January and May alone, the authority issued 8,563 licences – nearly five times as many as Birmingham, despite being just a fifth of its size.
In response, a Wolverhampton City Council spokesperson said:
“Renewals are being processed by our officers and drivers may continue to work while their renewal application is processed, provided it is correct and complete. Renewals will be granted once all documentation and test results are received. The federation is part of our trade group and is welcome to raise issues at meetings.”
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