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Scotland’s First Minister announces new funds to help taxi drivers financially effected by COVID

Perry Richardson

Updated: Dec 9, 2020


Scotland’s First Minister has announced new measures to help taxi drivers financially effected by the impact of coronavirus.


During a statement given by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to Parliament on Tuesday 17 November, it was announced a new £30million fund available to Local Authorities will provide additional help to taxi drivers and other businesses hit by COVID-19.

With travel and leisure restrictions put in place across the UK, the coronavirus pandemic has caused ongoing low-levels of work for thousands of taxi drivers who thrive on vibrant active city life.


As self-employed workers, many cabbies have been entitled to benefit from the Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), however the grant focuses heavily on the driver profits. The high operating costs involved in running a licensed taxi means many are still struggling to find enough work to tide them over until the pandemic passes.

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister, said: “We are establishing a £30million discretionary fund to enable local authorities, if they consider it to be necessary or justified, to provide additional support for businesses—for example, businesses in supply chains, or taxi drivers who are suffering a severe but indirect effect.

“We will also make an additional £15million available for newly self-employed people who have not been able to access other forms of support, and we are making available to local authorities an additional £15million to help with the community and social impact of a move to level 4. More details on those funds will be made available shortly.”

The announcement comes a week after Glasgow councillor, Alex Wilson, wrote to the Scottish Government, calling for a financial package to be put in place to help assure the survival of an industry that dates back a century.


Alex Wilson said via social media: “Glad to hear support for our trade out there. Glasgow needs a flourishing service. The Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle trade are so often forgotten about and need help in this difficult time.”

Full details of the funds are yet to be released, and whilst the news has been welcomed by industry representatives, there remains some caution until the details are available.


Unite Edinburgh Cab Branch said: “First Minister just announced taxi drivers in Scotland will now have access to £30million grant scheme, if business has been badly affected by Covid. Sounds very promising Nichola Sturgeon although need to study this in detail. Unite Scotland been doing significant lobbying behind the scenes.”

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