Peterborough taxi drivers to receive one of £300 payment from council to help them during the pandemic

Peterborough City Council will be amending its Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) Scheme to give the individual "one-off" payments.

This will bring the scheme in line with schemes being offered to taxi drivers in other local authorities.

Payments:

1) Will be initiated by a Taxi Driver having a valid licence in Peterborough

2) Will only be made to Taxi Drivers who live in Peterborough

Taxi drivers will be contacted directly by Peterborough City Council for their bank details in order to facilitate the payments.

Businesses and the self-employed are reminded that all can still apply for the Additional Restrictions Grant Scheme through the link on the Council's website https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/healthcare/public-health/coronavirus/support-and-advice-for-businessCouncillor Wayne Fitzgerald, deputy leader of Peterborough City Council, said: "I've been lobbying hard on behalf of the taxi industry and welcome this news. It will be a boost to all our hard-working taxi drivers who have been continuing to offer a much-needed service for residents throughout the pandemic.

"I would encourage all businesses, including self-employed people, to contact the council to seek advice on the financial support available."

MP Paul Bristow Said: “Taxi drivers have been hard hit by the pandemic. They have had to continue working to take people to hospital and work, but overall incomes have plummeted with lockdown. Many have been delivering free food to those shielding, and helping people to get to vaccine centres.

“I have been working with Peterborough City Council to amend the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) Scheme to support drivers. I wrote to the council to make the case for support.

“ I am thrilled that this campaign has worked. This payment will help many who are struggling. It shows what can be achieved when MPs and the council work together.”