TAXI drivers, zoo keepers and tattooists face higher fees for licences next year.

North Wiltshire District Council agreed the increases at a meeting on Tuesday.

Hackney carriage and private hire licence fees will rise by 2.5 per cent in 2004/05 and miscellaneous fees and charges will go up by about three per cent.

Next year an initial licence for a hackney carriage driver will rise from £128 to £131, and a vehicle licence will go up from £230 to £236.

The number of Hackney carriage vehicles was delimited in 2001 and numbers increased from 106 to 129.

Members of the taxi trade attended a meeting in September when they were consulted about the increase.

Drivers were informed the district council had to make sure the cost of administering the licence system was covered by the fees raised.

Public entertainment licences will rise from £225 to £240 for an initial licence and from £170 to £180 for a renewal.

An acupuncturist licence will also go up by £5 to £65 from April 1.