Taxi drivers urged to apply for new COVID-19 funding

From Monday (15 March) Stoke-on-Trent City Council is urging taxi drivers to apply for COVID-19 funding.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers have been severely affected by the crisis through the loss of trade due to lockdown and associated restrictions. Financed through the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) fund, a grant is now available for taxi drivers that are licensed with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and eligible applicants will receive a one off grant of £500.

Applicants must be able to show:

·         they currently hold a taxi licence and have held this for a minimum of 3 months

·         their licence is held with Stoke-on-Trent City Council

·         they have not already received a grant payment

The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed.

Council leader Abi Brown said: “Taxi and private hire drivers have been hit extremely hard by the coronavirus pandemic. The trade provides an invaluable service for those without transport or where public transport does not meet an individual’s needs in Stoke-on-Trent. Many have provided a vital service to residents during the pandemic, providing transport to key workers and transporting resident to hospital appointments and vaccination centres.”

“Many businesses across the city have already benefited from the ARG grants, and we now want as many taxi drivers as possible to be able to benefit. I encourage all that think they may be eligible to check the criteria on our website and apply.”

Taxi drivers are encouraged to check the criteria and apply via: www.stoke.gov.uk/businessgrants. Applications open Monday 15 March and close Monday 29 March.

For the latest information on council services and support during the coronavirus, and frequently asked questions, please visit www.stoke.gov.uk/coronavirus. For latest health advice on the coronavirus, please visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus, and for further information on the virus visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

All residents are reminded about the critical importance of regular handwashing with soap and hot water for 20 seconds. The significance of this action cannot be underestimated. If residents have symptoms, please get tested. All residents must continue to follow the guidance of wash hands, cover face and make space.

For more information on digital services, visit www.stoke.gov.uk, download the MyStoke App, or follow the city council’s social media channels