Peterborough MP calls for funding to support city taxi drivers

The MP for Peterborough has called for funding to support the city’s taxi drivers.
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Paul Bristow has written to city council chief executive Gillian Beasley calling on the authority to use funding from the Government’s Additional Restrictions Grant to support taxi drivers who are “struggling to even make a fraction of their previous income”.

The Conservative MP wrote that during the Covid-19 pandemic “the private hire and taxi industry has been one of the sectors hit hardest,” in particular due to the devastation of the night-time economy.

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He added that drivers are also at greater risk from the virus despite taking precautions but are not classed as key workers even though they help people make essential journeys, including as to and from hospital.

A call has been made to provide grants for taxi driversA call has been made to provide grants for taxi drivers
A call has been made to provide grants for taxi drivers

Mr Bristow continued: “Peterborough City Council has recognised a problem by making a modest reduction to drivers’ annual licence fees. However, many local authorities have used their Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) funding to provide discretionary payments to local taxi drivers who are residents.

“These include Sheffield, Doncaster, Warrington, Northumberland, Wrexham, Dacorum (Hemel Hempstead), Basildon and Luton.

“The city council is doing a brilliant job at helping to keep us all safe. We have not seen the high rates of infection seen elsewhere. Local grants have helped many businesses survive and the council’s hub has coordinated support for those who are shielding or vulnerable.

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“I know you will share my desire to see a healthy private hire and taxi industry when this pandemic is over.

“I would be grateful for a virtual meeting with me and the Peterborough Private Hire Association to see how a discretionary scheme might be developed in Peterborough.”

Local councils can determine their own eligibility criteria to use with the ARG and which businesses to support.

But government guidance states: “We expect the funding to help those businesses which – while not legally forced to close – are nonetheless severely impacted by the (coronavirus) restrictions.”

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Peterborough City Council’s website states that its “Additional Restrictions Grant policy is being reviewed in line with recent announcements” with a revised scheme being publicised this week.

The council has been contacted for comment.