PLANS to hike taxi fares in Inverclyde by 12 per cent have been backed by councillors.

Members of the local authority's General Purposes Board have approved taxi trade proposals to increase 'flag fall' fees and running mile rates.

The council have now launched a further statutory consultation on the rates, with the new tariffs expected to take effect from May 14 this year.

Councillor Chris Curley, who chaired the meeting, told the Telegraph he hoped the decision would help the local taxi trade through a difficult time.

He said: "The committee reviewed the submission by the taxi operators and individual operators and, looking at that, decided to approve the recommendations.

"The general increases in costs for the trade were considered as part of our decision-making.

"We want to see a sustainable taxi industry locally and hope that this decision helps achieve that."

The proposed changes affect all four of the area's taxi tariffs - which outline standard rates for pre-hired and 'flag' bookings over set periods.

Hirings from ranks or 'flag' hirings between 6am and 11pm will now have an initial charge of £3.08, up from £2.75, with the first mile of the journey costing approximately £4.13.

For the same types of hirings started between 11pm and 6am, a initial charge of £3.19 will apply, with the approximate cost of the first mile rising by 50 pence to £4.59.

Certain types of hirings on Easter Monday, May Day, Fair Saturday and September 26 will carry an initial fee of £3.42.

Pre-booked hirings and those from ranks or 'flag' hirings on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and January 2 will have an initial cost of £5.99, which is also the first mile cost for such bookings.

The board's decision came after a consultation Inverclyde Council held with local taxi operators, which saw eight of the consultees call for an increase in rates.

A ninth respondent said they felt a significant rise would not be appropriate given the rising cost of living.

Many of those consulted raised concerns about the increases cost of fuel and maintenance to their vehicle, with reference also made to the cost of living crisis and spiralling inflation.

In a letter sent to Inverclyde Council, local operator Inverclyde Taxis said that the last three years had been 'extremely challenging' for the taxi trade.

They cited a number of factors which had put the industry in an increasingly difficult position, including what was described as 'limited' financial support from the Scottish Government.

They added: "Likewise, Inverclyde Council continues to offer limited or no administrative support/guidance to the trade yet endorse year-on-year taxi and test fees increases without any consultation/notice nor indeed consideration to extended fee packages to secure trade commitment for the medium to longer term.

"It would appear decisions are for here and now and only looking short term."

The council will now ask for views on the proposed new scales, with local people able to have their say by writing to the council before April 7.