Oldham Council announces £450,000 COVID taxi support package for industry

Oldham Council are providing funding to support taxi and hackney carriage drivers/operators during the current COVID pandemic.

The council announced that the £450,000 package will be linked to the trade playing their part in reducing the spread of coronavirus and keeping both drivers and passengers safe.

Any vehicle owner who fits a safety screen, which will be supplied by the council, will receive a grant to cover the cost of their next vehicle licence. A similar scheme will be in place for drivers who do not own a vehicle, which will cover the cost of their driver licence.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge said: “The licensed trade has played a vital role during the pandemic helping people access essential services.

“At the same time many drivers have also suffered lost income due to the lack of trade.

“By releasing this funding we are looking to help the drivers out financially and make sure they, and their passengers, are at less risk from Coronavirus.”

More information will follow about the scheme over the coming weeks.