TAXI fares in the town could be set to increase.

The taxi and other licensing committee will discuss a report on the hackney carriage table of fares at its meeting on Tuesday.

At its meeting in July, the licensing committee agreed to adopt the table of fares if no objections were received to the consultation.

A report to the committee says evidence has been sourced from the Automobile Association, which shows average fuel prices as at February 2023. It states that fuel prices continued to increase during 2022 and currently ‘remain stable’ at February prices.

It adds: “Fuel, insurance and vehicle repair costs have steadily increased; impacted by ongoing geo-political events including the continued Ukraine war.

“As of March 2023, the average fare in Warrington (tariff one for a two-mile journey) is £5.70 which, compared to all 350 authorities in the UK in 2022 was ranked at no: 277 but has since dropped back to 320 in the price comparison chart compiled by Private Hire and Taxi Monthly.

“This is mainly owing to the other authorities increasing their fares in 2022.”

The report highlights the details of a seven per cent fare increase across all tariffs – which the committee is being recommended to approve.

It also highlights five per cent and 10 per cent increases for ‘comparisons sake’.

The report adds: “There are no additional financial implications for the council contained within this report.

“The proposed increases are required to better reflect the true cost of providing a service to the trade’s customers and in order to continue to maintain a reasonable standard of living.”