THERE will be no increase in fees and charges for licensed taxi drivers in the borough this year, the council has revealed. The decision has been taken to freeze costs for hackney carriage and private hire operators, despite the loss of income for the authority. Councillors approved the move - although concerns were raised, including that the decision shows ‘inconsistency’ in addressing the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Discussing the fees and charges report for the coming year, council officer Robert Draper told members of the licensing committee on Monday (February 22) that the overall increase in license fees which the council have the power over, will be approximately 3 per cent from April.