Taxi drivers in Stafford Borough could benefit from a near £200,000 Covid-19 pot after lockdown significantly impacted.
The one-off coronavirus grants will be available from the Borough Council as part of the local authority’s drive to help businesses who have missed out on other financial support.
Around 250 taxi drivers are believed to be eligible. Taxi drivers have not been made to stop trading during the pandemic but have seen low passenger numbers due to wider Covid-19 restrictions.
The Council will make the discretionary payment of £750.00 to drivers who were licenced to operate in the borough on 5 November 2020. The new taxi fund is the latest in discretionary financial support from the council – following hot on the heels of the launch last month of a scheme to provide thousands of pounds to ‘supply chain’ businesses who supply goods or services to the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.
Councillor Frances Beatty, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “The grants we have distributed already – especially to businesses that have been forced to shut – have been a lifeline for many in Stafford Borough.
“Although the taxi trade is still able to continue, it has suffered during the current Covid-19 restrictions – especially with the closure of the hospitality sector, and residents rightly being advised to stay at home to help prevent the spread of the virus.
“We are keen to ensure we help as many businesses across our borough and I would encourage anyone to get in touch with us to see what support and advice is available.”
Since the initial lockdown in March, Stafford Borough Council has paid out more than £35 million in Government grants to hundreds of local businesses.
Councillor Jonathan Price, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Our taxi drivers play an important role in the local economy and provide an invaluable service to the community. They have transported residents to medical appointments and for people to have their vaccine – and of course there is the risk of exposure to the virus every time they take a fare.
“They have also provided transport to workplaces for some of our key workers including nurses and care workers.”
For help regarding the taxi grants contact ehlicencing@staffordbc.gov.uk.
For more information about how to access business support grants, visit www.staffordbc.gov.uk/business-support-coronavirus. For other business advice get in touch with economy@staffordbc.gov.uk
