Ipswich Borough Council agrees 20p taxi fare increase
Leaders say it's to keep trade ‘in business’
Ipswich Borough Council leaders have agreed to increase the taxi fare by 20p to keep the trade ‘in business’.
Cllr Neil MacDonald sought support for the increase from executive councillors yesterday evening after a request was put in by the Ipswich Station Taxi Tenants Association (ISTTA).
The council usually reviews fares on a yearly basis to respond to increases in costs around taxi services, such as fuel and insurance.
The proposed increase was for 2.55 per cent, in line with the average inflation rate in the year leading up to May, equivalent to 20p per two-mile journey.
Cllr MacDonald said the change was important to keep drivers ‘in business’ amid challenging times.
It means an increase in the day rate for a typical two-mile journey, based on distance alone, from £7.80 to £8 — night and Christmas rates will also increase to £10 and £11.80 respectively at the same rate.
More than 100 drivers were consulted, with most agreeing the changes were appropriate.
Cllr Ian Fisher, leader of the Conservative Group, said although the proposals did not represent a big increase, efforts should be made to keep Ipswich taxis affordable when compared to other authorities
Ipswich ranks as the 86th most expensive out of 344 authorities for two-mile daytime journeys.
Cllr MacDonald said he expected the authority to fall down the ranks as other councils considered their own increases.
Executive councillors backed the proposals with five votes for and one against.
The new fares will apply from November 5.