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Cumberland taxi fares could rise by up to 17% under single tariff plan
Cumberland Council will consider introducing one hackney carriage fare structure across the district, increasing a two-mile journey to £7 in former Allerdale and Copeland areas.
Cumberland Council’s Executive is set to consider plans to introduce a single hackney carriage tariff across the district, with some passengers facing fare increases of up to 17%.
The proposed tariff card will be considered on 16 September 2026 and would replace the separate fare structures inherited from Allerdale Borough Council, Carlisle City Council and Copeland Borough Council following local government reorganisation in April 2023.
Under the proposal, the maximum metered fare for a two-mile journey would be harmonised at £7 across Cumberland. This would represent a £1 increase from the current £6 fare in the former Allerdale area, equivalent to 17%, and an 80p increase from £6.20 in the former Copeland area, equivalent to 13%.
Passengers in the former Carlisle district would see no change to the two-mile fare, which is already set at £7. The council said a consistent tariff would make fares easier for passengers and the taxi trade to understand when journeys take place across different parts of Cumberland.
The proposal follows an approach from hackney carriage representatives seeking higher fares because of rising operating costs. The council report identifies fuel prices and wider inflationary pressures as factors affecting drivers and vehicle proprietors.
Cumberland’s proposed £7 two-mile fare would remain below the national average of £7.40 quoted in the report. The council’s comparison lists equivalent fares of £6.40 in Northumberland, £7.30 in Durham, £8 in North Yorkshire and £6.60 in Lancaster.
Three charging bands would be included within the new tariff card. Tariff One would cover normal weekday journeys, while Tariffs Two and Three would apply during periods including after midnight, bank holidays, Christmas and New Year. The precise commencement date has yet to be confirmed.
Hackney carriage tariffs determine the maximum amount drivers can charge for journeys within the licensing district. Drivers may charge less, but taximeters must be calibrated to the approved fares and sealed to prevent tampering.
Council officers warned that leaving fares unchanged could create a high risk of driver shortages. They said higher tariffs could help operators meet rising costs, retain drivers and maintain taxi availability, particularly during evenings and for passengers who depend on accessible transport.
The report also acknowledges that increased fares could reduce demand and place additional pressure on frequent taxi users, older people, disabled passengers and low-income households. Officers concluded that the benefits to the viability of licensed taxi services were expected to outweigh the potential disadvantages if increases remained proportionate.
