TAXI drivers are furious their council fees may increase again despite pleas to have them lowered.

All the cabbies in the borough are required to pay fees annually for a badge from Hyndburn Council which gives them permission to operate.

Members of Hyndburn Taxi Association have been in negotiations with the council to get the rates cut for 2009 as firms and drivers have been struggling because of the economic downturn.

But the council is considering raising fees.

Mohammed Arif, chairman of the association, said: "It’s unjust what they have done. We had a meeting with the council about fees for next year. We talk on a regular basis but they have never accepted our plea to lower fees.

"What the council has done is unfair and unjust. Some drivers may struggle to pay."

Last summer drivers saw petrol prices soar and while there has been some relief lately they are keen to keep operational costs down.

Mr Arif said: "We had hoped the council would lower fees as costs are soaring. MOTs are going up and we need all the help we can get. We want to know why the council has increased fees."

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said a final decision has not yet been made.

He added: "Obviously what we have to remember in putting fees and charges forward for next year is the rise in inflation which continues at quite a high rate. A shortfall in fees would have to be met by council tax players.

"When inflation goes up, we are put in a difficult decision and have to make difficult decisions."