Westmorland and Furness taxi tariffs will rise despite some trade pushback

Westmorland and Furness Council have approved proposals to adjust Hackney Carriage fares despite formal opposition.

The decision follows a detailed report, addressing a proposed 7% fare increase across former sovereign council areas, including Barrow Borough, Eden District, and South Lakeland District Councils.

The fare revision, initially considered in September 2023 and further discussed in November, was aimed at standardising charges within the merged districts.

Despite a majority of taxi trade respondents backing the increase during a direct consultation, objections from two licenced Hackney Carriage drivers had forced the Regulatory Committee to reconsider. The drivers, who did not withdrawn their objections, triggered a formal review process under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

The Regulatory Committee gave the green light approving the maximum fare increase from 1 April 2024.