BRITS could be slapped with higher fares just to get to hospital under a new “Taxi Tax”;, campaigners warn.
Campaigners say a 20 per cent VAT hike on minicabs would “price many out of vital journeys”; and cost the NHS tens of millions each year.
CEO of Rights UK Kamran Mallick said: “For many disabled people, private hire vehicles are not a luxury, they are essential.
“They provide a vital means of where public options are inaccessible or unreliable.”;
Polling for the Stop the Taxi Tax campaign found 53 per cent of disabled people or those with long-term conditions used minicabs or ride-hailing to attend medical appointments in the past year.
And Bolt data shows a 62 per cent jump in trips to Children’s Hospital since January 2023, with sharp rises in Nottingham and too.
A spokesperson for the Stop the Taxi Campaign, said: “The NHS’ own figures show how vital minicabs and PHVs are for helping patients access medical appointments.
“Increasing fares won’t just make life harder for disabled and vulnerable people, it will put even more strain on stretched NHS budgets and potentially cost the health service tens of millions of pounds.”;
Chancellor is under growing pressure to block the charge, which follows a High ruling that could force operators to add VAT to every fare.
Previously, most minicab drivers were classed as self-employed and didn’t meet the £90,000 threshold for VAT – but the court ruled operators are the ones providing the service, meaning VAT could now apply across the board.
Leading trade bodies – including the Federation of Small Businesses – warn the change could force 25,000 drivers off the road and hammer already-struggling high streets.
The Treasury says it is still reviewing responses to its consultation.
