Taxi drivers in Northumberland are set to be consulted on a possible 5% increase in maximum taxi fares.
It would see the fare for a five mile journey on a standard tariff increase from £12.30 to £12.90 if adopted.
The increase would only apply to so-called hackney carriages - that is, those taxis licensed by the local authority.
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It follows an increase of 5% last summer as drivers faced financial pressure due to rising fuel costs. However, that increase was deemed insufficient, with the Berwick Taxi Association left "livid".
Previously fares hadn't risen in around five years, but the council pledged to look at the issue again this year due to the rising cost of living. At Wednesday's meeting of Northumberland County Council's licensing and regulatory committee, members were presented with the option of either a 5% or a 10% increase, and opted for the former.
Speaking at the meeting, the council's local services and housing delivery manager Philip Soderquest told members that the cost of fuel had "fallen significantly," adding: "We've seen some reductions in the cost of operating taxis now."
Councillors approved the proposals, and were keen to stress the new tariffs would be the maximum firms could charge.
Labour's Coun Brian Gallacher said: "Everybody is struggling massively. If you don't get bums on seats you don't make money.
"If you're a business, you will be trying to keep prices as low as possible to get as much business as possible."
Coun Alex Wallace added: "Fuel prices are part of what demands the increase, but there's many companies that won't charge the maximum.
"You only make money if there's bums on seats."
Public notices will now be published in local news papers specifying the proposed new tariffs and the date it would come into effect. Both members of the public and taxi drivers can send comments on the plans.
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