Fares for black taxis in Belfast are due to increase by up to 19% causing further misery for hard-pressed householders.

As the cost of living continues to spiral, the Department of Environment has confirmed that Arlene Foster has agreed to fare increases for black taxis between 13% and 19%.

However, a spokesman from the Department said a date has not been set for the new fares to come into effect.

He said: "The Environment Committee cleared the proposed fares increase on May 8 and a submission has been submitted by the Department to the Minister to approve the necessary amendments to the regulations."

Sinn Fein MLA Alex Maskey, a former member of the environment committee, said the proposed hike will hit the most needy.

The black taxis are often used by people with no car for shopping trips or transporting children with prams, he said.

Mr Maskey said: "We are concerned at every rise because in virtually every single public service costs are going up and people are looking at a rocky economic future.

"I am well aware of the high usage of taxis in a lot of areas, a lot of people depend on them."

The Belfast Public Hire Taxi Association has defended the rise, blaming it on hikes in the price of fuel from 91p per litre to £1.23 per litre — representing an increase of between 35 and 41% — since the last fare rise.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/article3741810.ece