Warrington Borough Council is to offer a coronavirus support grant to the town’s 700 taxi drivers, with the trade continuing to see low passenger numbers as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Government legislation throughout the pandemic, including the current national lockdown, means that taxi drivers do not legally have to cease trading. However, taxi drivers across the country have seen a large downturn in demand due to the pandemic.
To provide support to the town’s taxi drivers, the council is offering a £210 support payment – in line with the Liverpool City Region – which can be applied for through the council’s existing additional restrictions grant (ARG).
Taxi drivers with a current licence issued by Warrington Borough Council, who live in Warrington, may be eligible for a £210 grant, upon completing the business support grant application form online. This grant is intended for those drivers who have suffered adverse financial impact during the coronavirus restrictions in place in Warrington from 14 October 2020.
Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Innovation, Cllr Tom Jennings, said: “The taxi trade in Warrington is a valued part of our local economy and we need to continue to support our drivers. We have shown our commitment to supporting Warrington’s local businesses wherever we can, and the taxi trade is no different.
“Coronavirus restrictions have caused a lot of anxiety for the trade, with patronage numbers significantly down. I hope this financial support provides some help through what I know is a very uncertain and difficult time for many.”
For more information about how to access business support grants, visit warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus
