Further small grants will be given to Liverpool taxi drivers who have faced massive cuts to income over the past year.
Plans approved by Liverpool Council’s cabinet this morning will see a further £200 grant offered to drivers of private hire and black cabs.
It follows another small grant made in October last year.
A report to the council’s cabinet said drivers have been extremely hard hit by the pandemic, suffering from the effect of lockdowns and continued curbs on the hospitality sector.
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The report said: “A reduction in overall visitor numbers to the City and restrictions on trading in pubs, bars, restaurants, shops and across the wider leisure, retail and hospitality sectors have seen an overall reduction in the overall number of taxi journeys, affecting the income of the 3886 taxi drivers (both Hackney cabs and private hire vehicles) currently licensed to operate by Liverpool City Council.
“Simultaneously, these same licensed drivers and owners have seen operational costs rise due to the need to fit shields, adopt face masks etc. in order to ensure Covid-safe work practices.
“These drivers and vehicle owners have not been able to access any of the previous grants available to businesses that have premises and are not eligible for the existing Hospitality and Leisure Support Grant.”
The report said the continuation of the taxi trade would be vital in the coming months, as continued social distancing measures would ensure reduced capacity on buses and trains.
Drivers can apply for the grant on the council’s website.
