Government says rising private‑hire prices are a commercial matter and not something it intends to regulate

The Government has reiterated that surging private‑hire vehicle prices, including the dynamic pricing used by major app‑based operators, fall entirely within the commercial discretion of private companies and are not an area ministers plan to regulate. In a written parliamentary answer, Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said that because all private‑hire journeys must be pre‑booked, passengers are able to compare fares before confirming a trip, and pricing therefore remains a matter for operators rather than the state.

The clarification follows a question from Reform UK MP Andrew Rosindell, who asked whether the Government would consider intervening in the use of surge pricing. The response confirms that ministers see no role for central regulation of fare‑setting, even as concerns grow about affordability during peak demand, major events, or severe weather.

The issue sits within a wider debate about the fragmented regulatory landscape for taxis and private‑hire vehicles. Local authorities continue to raise concerns about cross‑border working, inconsistent licensing standards, and enforcement challenges, while parliamentary committees and peers have repeatedly called for national minimum standards to improve safety and transparency. Although these discussions focus primarily on licensing and public protection, they highlight broader unease about how the sector operates and the limits of local control.