- Date
- 25 August 2026
- Details
-
We are writing to inform you that, as the vehicle licence holder of a private hire vehicle with Bolton Council, the PHV Support Fund will be opening in September 2026.
What Is the PHV Support Fund?
Greater Manchester is supporting locally licensed private hire drivers to upgrade to cleaner vehicles, helping to improve air quality across the city region.
The £2 million Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) Support Fund will provide grants of up to £2,500 to eligible PHV licensees to replace non-compliant vehicles with cleaner alternatives.
The fund is being administered by the Growth Company on behalf of Bolton Council and the nine other GM Authorities.
For more details about the fund, the full eligibility criteria and FAQs, visit: Taxis and Private Hire - Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Step 1: Check if your vehicle is eligible
- Enter your vehicle registration number at greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/phv-eligibility-checker which will inform you if your vehicle is eligible or not.
- When the fund opens in September, we will send you an email with instructions on how to access the PHV Support Fund portal.
- If your vehicle is not eligible for funding but you think it should, please contact us.
Step 2: Start planning your upgrade
- If your vehicle is eligible, start planning and looking for your vehicle upgrade. Make sure you choose a compliant vehicle (ZEC or compliant Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 or a higher euro standard petrol) that meets our licensing standards and requirements.
- If your current vehicle can carry wheelchairs (a “Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle”), you cannot use this grant to buy a PHV that is not a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle.
- You will need to ensure you have the right documents to assist you to make your application. The document attached to this email details the documents you require.
What happens next?
- When the fund opens in September, if you are eligible, we will send you a further email with instructions on how access the PHV Support Fund portal.
- You will need to set up an account, make your application and upload all required documents.
- If your application is successful, you will receive a Fund Award Notification (FAN). You will then have four months to upgrade your vehicle and get it licensed with us.
- The grant will be paid once you submit evidence that your compliant vehicle is licensed with us.
Take action now
Check if your vehicle is eligible today at: greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/phv-eligibility-checker.
Reminder
Following Bolton Council's adoption of an Emissions Policy in September 2025, from 31st August 2030, all Bolton Council licensed vehicles will be required to meet the minimum emissions standards of Euro 6 for diesel vehicles or Euro 4 for petrol vehicles. Copies of the report and decision are available to view online via this link: Agenda for Licensing and Environmental Regulation Committee on Tuesday, 16th September, 2025, 2.00 pm - Bolton Council
We are here to help. If you need support, please get in touch with us at Licensing.Unit@bolton.gov.uk