TAXI fees in Wirral are set to rise by an average of 3.6%, after the Unite union’s proposal was accepted last night.

For a typical five-mile journey you can currently expect to pay £10.59, but after the changes go through the same journey will cost £10.90.

Derek Cummins, chair of the Unite Wirral taxi branch, told Wirral Council's Licensing Sub-Committee that most taxi drivers want small, inflation-based rate rises, but there would always be “factions” who did not want to see any rise at all.

He said: "I've been a cab driver for 40 years.

"Every time there's been a rise, there have been people who say it will kill the trade.

"These people who object with the way forward have no constructive way forward themselves."

He added: "Everything is going up; Council Tax, taxi licenses all go up.

"I recommend we pass the 3.6% rise, but what we want to establish is inflation-based rises.

"If inflation is 0.7%, then that is what the rise will be and if inflation is 23%, then it [the rise] will be 23%."

The issue prompted chaos at a meeting in September – when the union brought two different proposals for fares causing a row with council officers.

Mr Cummins said: "You will never satisfy everyone in the trade, but somewhere along the way you have to make a determination."

Labour councillor Tony Norbury said the trade needs to come together and put a recommendation forward to the council, so that the current uncertainty and factionalism is avoided.

In September's licensing meeting, it was unclear whether taxi drivers wanted to set their own rates or be tied to a Transport for London formula.

Mr Cummins nodded along to this suggestion and after Tory councillor Andrew Hodson, chair of the meeting, signalled his agreement, the council’s policy was amended so that each year the JCCs [a meeting of taxi drivers] recommended rate increase will be put forward for consideration.