Taxis in one part of Kent may see their flag rate - the starting price of a cab - rise from £3 to £4 in order to help drivers with the cost of living.

Medway Council's licensing sub-committee has heard how the Medway Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (MLTDA) had decided to ask for an increase after a survey of their members.

Cabbies considered raising the yards travelled and waiting time tariffs but ultimately decided against this due to concerns it might make cabs uncompetitive.

Rates for yards travelled will remain at 20p per 170 yards and 20p for 40 seconds of waiting time.

Nigel Jackson, chairman of the MLTDA, said the requested increase would help drivers earn a sustainable income, would ease pressure on them, and make being a taxi driver a more attractive career.

He said: “The £1 increase on the flag to some could seem quite substantial, but in relation to our costs, it will certainly help the trade to earn a sustainable living.

“With this we can attract drivers into the industry saying this is a good job to work in”

The Towns' tariff is currently the 172nd highest in terms of median taxi fare in the UK out of 344 local authorities - the increase would see it rise to around the 51st highest.

Mr Jackson said following the increase Medway would drop back down the leaderboards over time as other areas adjust their rates and the rise was not excessive.

He added that the decision to ask for the increase was not taken lightly and discussed at length by members, however even with the rise in flag rate, he said, Medway taxis were still cheaper than third party apps such as Uber.

The last time taxi drivers received an increase in tariffs was in September 2022.

Mr Jackson said a survey of cabbies had shown they were needing to work up to 70 hours a week to earn a living.

“You shouldn’t have to have drivers as slaves to the job to try and put food on the table for their families," he said.

“This is purely to cover our rising on-going costs as an industry.”

Sub-committee chair Cllr Dan McDonald (Lab) said it was important to work with licensed cab drivers as they ensured a safe, reliable service for residents.

Members approved the decision to recommend the report to cabinet for approval.