Private Hire Operators

Under the provisions of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 we are responsible for licensing private hire operators within the Borough.

You need to have a licence to operate a private hire business in Wigan Borough.

Private hire operators are based throughout the borough and normally accept bookings over the phone and cars are then sent to customers through the use of radios or computerised systems.  However, app-based taxi services are becoming increasingly more popular with the introduction of smart phones. 

There are no restrictions on the number of vehicles and drivers that can be operated under a private hire operator licence.

Greater Manchester Minimum Licensing Standards

Stage 1 of these standards relating to taxis and private hire vehicles came into effect on 1 December 2021 unless stated otherwise.  Further information can be found on Regulation Committee Report (external link).

Making an Application

Renewal applications can be made up to 8 weeks prior to the expiry date.  You are advised to submit an application no later than 4 weeks prior to the expiry date.

Prior to making an application please ensure that you have read through and are familiar with the conditions which will be attached to your licence should it be issued.  You need to ensure that you show how you are going to comply with these conditions on the application form.  Failure to do so could lead to a delay with your application.

Any applicant or company director that is not currently a licensed private hire or hackney carriage driver will be required to provide evidence of a Basic Disclosure (external link), at least once in a 12 month period.

• Complete Application Form
• Pay Application Fee(external link) (fees and charges)
• Email your completed application to the Licensing Team with the relevant supporting documents:

• Operator Policies (mandatory)
• Entitlement to Work in the UK (if applicable)
• Basic Disclosure (external link) (if applicable)
• Planning Permission (if applicable)
• Public Liability Insurance (if applicable)

Tax Checks

From 4 April 2022 HMRC have introduced a new tax check for Local Authorities to ensure licence holders are aware of their tax obligations, and where applicable are registered for tax. Further information is available on GOV.UK (external link).

We aim to determine your application within 5 working days (subject to receipt of a complete application). Failure to submit a completed application, including supporting documents and the appropriate fee will delay the processing times.

Licence Conditions

The conditions attached to all private hire operator licences have been updated in connection with the Greater Manchester Minimum Licensing Standards. These conditions came into effect on 1 December 2021. 

• Schedule of conditions attached to a Private Hire Operator Licence

Change of Address

You must inform the Council if you move home, giving details of your new address within seven days of moving. 

• Notify Licensing of a change of address (external link).

Annual Fees

There is an annual fee payable each year for the licence to remain in force.  All annual fees become due and payable on the anniversary of the grant of their licence.  Failure to pay an annual fee will result in the suspension of the licence until such time as the fee has been paid.  During any period of suspension it would be unlawful to operate private hire vehicles.

• Pay Annual Fee (external link).

Complaints

If you wish to make a complaint in relation to a private hire operator, you can:

• Make a licensing complaint as a Wigan Borough resident by registering / logging into MyAccount (external link)
• Make a licensing complaint as a non-resident (external link).