Sharon Gaffka warns Chancellor Rachel Reeves in London that proposed taxi tax could endanger women who rely on late-night cabs for safety

Sharon Gaffka, who many remember from Love Island, is once again using her platform to raise awareness—this time about women’s safety.

The 29-year-old TV personality and women’s rights advocate is urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reconsider a proposed 20% VAT on private hire fares, warning that it could put women in danger.

Concerns Over Safety and Affordability

According to Gaffka, the so-called “taxi tax” could make late-night travel less accessible for women who rely on cabs to get home safely.

“Women shouldn’t have to choose between feeling safe and affording the ride home,” she emphasized.

She reminded the government that for many, taxis are not a luxury but a necessity—especially after a night out or a late shift when walking or public transport doesn’t feel safe.

The Proposed Tax and Its Impact

The Treasury has not ruled out applying the 20% VAT to private hire services as part of Reeves’s plan to fill a multibillion-pound gap in public finances.

If introduced, the change could add around £2 to £3 to a typical £12 journey—raising roughly £750 million annually for the government.

Currently, most taxi operators outside London do not charge VAT because their drivers are self-employed and earn below the £90,000 threshold.

Women’s Worries Echo Across the UK

Fresh research from the “Stop the Taxi Tax” campaign reveals that nearly four in five women fear they or their loved ones would struggle to get home safely at night if fares go up.

Another survey by Strand Partners found that one in three women use taxis most frequently for late-night journeys.

Around two-thirds said they feel safer in minicabs than walking, and three in five said they prefer taxis over public transport when traveling at night.

Campaigners Rally Against the Move

The “Stop the Taxi Tax” campaign, backed by over 100 local minicab and private hire operators, as well as charities like The Survivors Trust and Disability Rights UK, argues that the proposal unfairly penalizes passengers who prioritize their safety.

“If the government truly wants to reduce risks for women and girls, it needs to scrap this tax,” Gaffka said firmly.

“Our safety should never come with a surcharge.”

Government’s Position and Ongoing Review

The Treasury, however, remains cautious in its response.

A spokesperson stated, “We take this issue very seriously and recognise its complexity.

We are reviewing feedback from our recent consultation and will publish our detailed response shortly.”

This consultation began under the previous Conservative government after a court case raised questions about VAT treatment for private hire vehicles.

A Voice Beyond Reality TV

Since leaving Love Island season seven, Sharon Gaffka has become a respected advocate for women’s rights and safety.

A former civil servant turned activist, she now serves as an ambassador for the domestic violence charity Refuge and was recognized as one of the top 100 most influential women in Westminster.

Her voice, now louder than ever, adds weight to a growing public outcry against a policy that many fear could compromise women’s safety for the sake of fiscal recovery.

What’s Next?

As the 26 November Budget announcement approaches, all eyes are on Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the Treasury’s decision.

The debate around the “taxi tax” is no longer just about revenue—it’s about whether the government will prioritize women’s safety over financial shortfalls.