London taxi drivers living in Bexley area can now claim £3,500 support grant lifeline

London taxi drivers living in Bexley could be handed a £3,500 lifeline as new financial support grants are made available to the taxi industry for the first time.

Bexley Council are urging all other small business owners and self-employed workers to apply by 5pm Friday 18 June 2021 to claim the support grants.

The money is being offered as part of the latest phase of the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) scheme in Bexley.

Phase four of the scheme is designed to make grants available to those businesses that were previously unable to apply for funds which includes taxi drivers living in the area.

Since its launch on 14 May, the Council has received 97 new applications. But there are many more self-employed home-based businesses in Bexley, such as taxi drivers and driving instructors, who have taken a hit because of COVID and will now be eligible for help.

Councillor Cafer Munur, Cabinet Member for Growth, said it is important that people act now: “Our funds are limited and the grants are being awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you think you may be eligible, find out more on our website and make sure you apply before the published deadline.

“You do not have to repay the grant, but we need information to make sure that applications are genuine."

Sara, a local resident and business owner in Blackfen who has benefited from the Additional Restrictions Grant told Councillor Munur: “After several failed applications, I discovered that Bexley had opened up the criteria to apply for an ARG grant for small businesses. Within 10 days of completing the revised form online, I heard that my application had been successful!

“These funds will be a lifeline after a difficult year. I would encourage all small businesses to take advantage of the opportunity to apply for this help."

Taxi drivers and other self-employed workers are urged to check if they are eligible for any of Bexley's business grants by using their Business grant eligibility checker.

As part of the application process, applicants are asked to upload a range of documentary evidence to support their claim. Those eligible applicants providing all the required evidence with their application will be processed and paid without delay.