Alex Salmond’s ALBA party announces plans to provide financial support to taxi drivers in Glasgow
- Michael Murphy
- Apr 23, 2021
- 2 min read
ALBA Party Leader and Former First Minister Alex Salmond launched ALBA's Glasgow campaign at the Peoples Palace in Glasgow on 19 April.
Drivers, trade representatives and unions have consistently called for Glasgow City Council to step up and provide much needed financial assistance to drivers and operators during such difficult times. Other major cities around the UK have seen licensing authorities allocate support to the industry through the Government’s Discretionary Fund, yet Glasgow cabbies have been left waiting for such payments.
Lead ALBA Candidate on the Glasgow List, Cllr Michelle Ferns, said: “ALBA is announcing the practical support we intend to give to taxi and private hire drivers who have been the 'forgotten workforce' during this pandemic despite being essential workers providing a vital service.
"The fact is that taxi and private hire drivers have been left behind by both the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council. ALBA will not leave our taxi and private hire drivers behind. As an interim measure, ALBA commits to bringing the level of grant paid to taxi and private hire drivers up to at least the level provided in Northern Ireland to be paid out of the Covid Recovery funding provided to the Scottish Government.
"In addition as Glasgow prepares to host the COP26 Climate Change Conference, we have an opportunity to showcase Glasgow to the World. What better way than to refurbish the taxi and private hire fleet along environmental lines. We will establish a Capital Fund to provide grants and loans for electric and hydrogen vehicle replacement.
"The Scottish Government have failed to recognise that taxi and private hire drivers are a backbone of our economy in the same way as other traders and small businesses. The drivers face significant costs with annual expenses in excess of £20,000 for running costs, maintenance of vehicles, insurance, licensing and inspections.
“However, because they do not have retail premises they have not been eligible for the funding provided to hairdressers, beauticians, retail businesses. Of the four main cities, Glasgow is the only one not to make additional discretionary payments. This makes it all the more urgent that we make this support available to taxi and private hire drivers across the city."
