New plans are proposing to increase horse riding tax in Epping Forest by almost 40 per cent.

The increase, which is the first of its kind in 10 years, was announced this week after the City of London Corporation revealed the costs of maintaining forest surfaces are not being met.

If successful the Horse Riding Licence Scheme will increase adult rider tax from £30 to £55 for the year.

The corporation's superintendent of Epping Forest, Paul Thomson, said: “The charges levied under the Horse Riding Licence Scheme are designed to raise 50 per cent of the costs of maintaining surfaced and posted rides.

“The current charges don’t achieve this and we’ve had to invest significantly to make up for the shortfall.

“Our proposal to raise licence fees are measured fairly against the retail price index and will ensure that riders can continue to enjoy the forest at the cheapest rates in the area.

“The cost of a standard annual licence increase to £55, that’s just over £1 per week, is still excellent value compared to other sites in south-east England.”

The future price of the licence is set to be decided at a meeting on Monday.