Taxi fares in Allerdale could be increased next year if a proposal backed by taxi firms goes ahead.

Allerdale council's licencing committee is due to review taxi fares in the area at a meeting on Tuesday.

Councillors have been recommended to approve an increase to between £3 and £3.50 for the first mile of the journey.

The current fee, which has not changed since 2010, is of £2.90.

They will also discuss a proposal to increase the current tariff of £0.39 for each additional fifth of a mile.

Three taxi firms have backed the plans proposed by Allerdale council.

Ian McClure, of IC Travel, said rising costs of fuel and insurance together with increases in the cost of living warranted the changes.

He said: "An existing independent operator - per car - will now pay an extra £1,200 approximately compared to 2006. A new independent will have set up fees of approximately £1,000 as well. With this in mind it only seems reasonable to increase the fares by a recommended 10 per cent for the first mile to £3.20 then £0.32 per fifth of a mile."

Kim Stephenson, of Kim's Taxis, said: "As everyone knows taxi prices haven't changed in several years, but prices of everyday running cost are going up and with the increase of extra taxis on the road, there is a decrease of profit over cost."

Andrew Morris, chairman of Davies Taxis, called for rates for the first mile to be increased to £3.50 and to £0.45 for per fifth of a mile.

If changes were approved by councillors, they would be effective from April and taxi firms will have to pay around £20 to recalibrate meters in each car.