I'm absolutely fuming about this. Just got off the phone with my cousin Ellie who relies on Uber to get to her weekly physio appointments, and she's in tears about the government's latest money-grabbing scheme. A 20% tax on taxi services? In THIS economy?
Disability Rights UK isn't mincing words either. They've come out swinging against Rachel Reeves' proposed levy on services like Uber and Bolt. And honestly, can you blame them? Some of teh most vulnerable people in our society are about to get royally screwed over because the Treasury needs to fill its coffers.
When "Budget Balancing" Means Abandoning the Vulnerable
Stephen Brookes, who advises Disability Rights UK on transport policy, put it perfectly: "Many of our members, who often have no other viable transport options, are already grappling with soaring living costs, while personal independence payments are cut."
He added, "A move that sidelines disabled people, all in the name of propping up a faltering economy, is something we condemn."
I mean... seriously? This is how we're treating people now?
The Numbers Don't Lie (But Politicians Might)
Research from Strand Partners shows a whopping 74% of people with disabilities or long-term health conditions oppose this tax. No surprise there. What's even more telling is that three-quarters of voters worry this charge will make it harder for vulnerable and elderly relatives to make it to medical appointments.
Back in 2019, I spent nearly £3K on taxis when my dad was going through cancer treatment. He couldn't handle public transport during chemo, and I couldn't always drive him myself because of work. Taxi services were literally a lifeline. I can't imagine how we would've managed with an extra 20% on every fare.
Stealth Tax or Straight-Up Cruelty?
The Stop the Taxi Tax campaign didn't hold back. They called it exactly what it is: "a stealth tax that disproportionately hits the vulnerable — including disabled people — who depend on taxis."
Their demand? "We call on the Government to scrap the taxi tax and protect passengers, safeguard jobs, and shield the wider economy from higher travel costs."
Listen. I'm not usually one for dramatic statements, but this feels like targeting people who literally cannot fight back. My neighbor Mark uses a wheelchair and relies on accessible taxis to get to his hospital appointments. His response when I told him about this: "Guess I'll just die at home then." He was joking... sort of.
Treasury's Tone-Deaf Response
A Treasury spokesman gave the kind of non-answer that makes you want to scream into a pillow: "We support our drivers, which is why we froze fuel duty — saving each driver £59 a year. We take this issue very seriously and recognise its complexity."
Wow. £59 a year. Life-changing stuff there. That's what, about £1.13 a week? I'm sure that'll cover the rising cost of... absolutely nothing.
They added, "We are reviewing the feedback from our recent consultation and will publish our detailed response shortly."
Translation: We're going to pretend to listen before doing exactly what we planned anyway.
The Real Cost Goes Beyond Money
What the Treasury bean-counters don't seem to grasp is that this isn't just about pounds and pence. For many disabled people, taxi services aren't a luxury—they're essential infrastructure. My friend Janice missed two hospital appointments last month because she couldn't afford the current taxi rates. With an extra 20%? She'll be joining countless others who'll be forced to choose between healthcare and heating.
God. Sometimes I wonder if anyone in government has ever actually met a disabled person.
This isn't just bad policy. It's cruel.
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