A SCOTTISH council agreed a hike in taxi fares of almost 27% in its latest meeting.
Scottish Borders Council reviews taxi fares every 18 months and must consult with operators and members of the public on any proposals to change the taxi fare tariff.
The council uses a formula which was agreed between the trade, the traffic commissioner and the council to determine variations in taxi rates.
The last review was concluded in August 2019.
A further review was due to be held in 2021, however operational pressures and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic delayed it.
Discussions with taxi operators have highlighted the financial pressures facing the sector at the moment due to increasing costs and delays associated with the review.
Operators are reporting costs increases of around 144% to their businesses associated with increased operational costs, including insurance, fuel and wages. When members of Scottish Borders Council’s decision-making Executive Committee met on Tuesday, they agreed an increase of 26.7%.
Members also endorsed a rise in the cost of a vehicle valet from £70 to £100.
It is probable the increases will come into force in early February 2025.
Elaine Thornton-Nicol, SNP councillor for Selkirkshire, said: “I know people think taxis are very expensive but it is a privilege, not a right. You don’t have a right to a taxi. It’s not a human right.
“We are now at a stage that we have artificially held quite frequently the levels of increase down. We all know how much fuel has gone up. We do need to put a dramatic increase in there.”
Meanwhile, Tom Weatherston, Conservative councillor for Kelso & District, “reluctantly” supported the huge hike, saying: “I think as a committee we are in a very difficult position today and to coin a phrase we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place.
“I am very aware that taxi operators have been placed in a very difficult position. I spoke to one last night and he’s really struggling and he said without this rise he’ll probably fold.
“On the other hand, I can see the impact this will have on the public using the service, but if you haven’t got a taxi you haven’t got a service anyway, so I’m reluctantly going to support this.”
