Scotland’s First Minister says more financial support for taxi drivers is being considered
- Michael Murphy
- Dec 2, 2020
- 1 min read
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that additional financial assistance is being considered for taxi and private hire drivers who are struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the industry.
Fulton MacGregor of the Scottish National Party asked Nicola Sturgeon: “What further support can be provided to self-employed taxi drivers who have been affected by the pandemic?”
She replied: ”We all appreciate - the Government certainly appreciates - the devastating impact that restrictions have had on the taxi and private hire vehicle sector. On 17 November, we announced an additional £30million in business support funding, which is being provided through the local authority discretionary fund.
”It is for local authorities to distribute that money, and I said that taxi drivers and others in wider supply chains should receive that support.”
Sturgeon went on to add that further funding has been made available to drivers to assist with the installation of equipment that reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Sturgeon concluded that even more financial assistance is being considered, saying: “We are also considering support for fixed cost pressures on taxi drivers and others, which will be distinct from the new strategic framework business fund.”
