Have your say

We asked for any objections to proposed changes to Somerset’s maximum taxi fares. The proposals followed feedback from licence holders, with 59% supporting an increase, and took account of inflation and fuel costs since the current fares were introduced in May 2024.

We proposed increasing the maximum distance and waiting-time charges by 10%, alongside a discretionary booking fee of up to £10 for pre-booked journeys.

We received 26 responses to this online consultation raising issues with the proposal.

• 6 Licensed taxi driver and/or taxi owner
• 17 taxi users
• 3 other

Respondents raised concerns the proposal risks pricing an essential service beyond many residents’ reach while simultaneously weakening demand for local taxi businesses. The potential social impact was also raised owing to greater isolation, particularly for disabled people, older residents, rural communities and those unable to drive.

The matter was considered by the Executive Committee on 2 September 2026.

The approved changes include:

• the maximum standard fare for journeys of up to one mile rising from £4.60 to £5.06.
• Increases to maximum charges for additional mileage and waiting time.
• Soiling fees and holiday surcharges remaining unchanged.

In light of the comments received, the Executive Committee did not approve the booking fee.

We asked if you supported the proposal to increase the number of specialist places at Holway Park Community Primary School’s SEN unit from 40 to 50 from September 2026.

We received 2 responses online which fully supported the proposal.

Although the number of responses received was relatively low, this is not unusual for proposals of this nature. Officers do not consider the response levels to indicate a lack of awareness or engagement.

Following the completion of the statutory consultation process, a decision report on 9 September 2026 agreed Holway Park Community Primary School shall increase the capacity of its existing SEN Unit from 40 places to 50 places.

Parents, staff, governors, relevant local members and other key stakeholders will be made aware of this decision and will be able to access the relevant statutory consultation report.

We asked for your views on opening a Special Educational Needs unit at Hindhayes Infant School for six to eight local children from September 2026.

We want to make sure local children and young people with special educational needs can get the right support, in the right place, as close to home as possible.

We received 5 responses.

Most responses received were supportive of the proposals. Although the number of responses received was relatively low, this is not unusual for proposals of this nature. Officers do not consider the response levels to indicate a lack of awareness or engagement.

The consultation exercise generated little opposition to the proposals, and no significant issues were identified that would prevent implementation.

Officers concluded any concerns raised regarding site capacity, traffic, accessibility and operational arrangements could be appropriately addressed through subsequent design, planning and implementation processes.

Following the completion of the statutory consultation process, a decision report on 9 September 2026 agreed Hindhayes Infant School shall establish a Special Educational Needs (SEN) Unit providing 6 to 8 places.

Parents, staff, governors, relevant local members and other key stakeholders will be made aware of this decision and will be able to access the relevant statutory consultation report.