COVID support grants launched for Birmingham taxi drivers

Birmingham City Council is joining several cities across the country by introducing much needed financial grants to eligible taxi drivers of private hire and hackney carriage vehicles.

Birmingham City Council has been awarded funding by the government under the Additional Restriction Grants Scheme to support businesses that continue to be significantly impacted by the government restrictions, but who do not qualify for the Local Restrictions Support
Grant Schemes.

As part of this funding, a one -off payment of £1,000 will be provided for Birmingham taxi drivers, who continue to be significantly impacted by government.

Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council has said:

We know that the last 12 months have been incredibly difficult for Birmingham taxi drivers, who have seen their trade seriously affected by the Coronavirus restrictions. Many drivers and their families are struggling to make ends meet because footfall in the city has been low
since last March.

“I urge drivers who live in Birmingham and hold a licence registered by Birmingham City Council to come forward and make use of this support. And please tell others who may be eligible. We want to do everything we can to help our residents and businesses and will
continue lobbying Government for further funding so that we can support groups across out city that have been so heavily impacted by the lockdowns.

The scheme will go live on 15 th February 2021. All eligible drivers will need to complete a one-page application form to be considered for this grant.

Like the hospitality, retail and leisure sectors, the taxi trade has also been significantly impacted by lockdowns with many drivers unable to trade and earn average weekly living. Around 6,600 drivers are expected to be eligible for the grant.

In order to be eligible for the grant, drivers must be a resident within Birmingham and hold a licence registered by Birmingham City Council and have been significantly impacted by government restrictions.

For further information, please visit: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/covid-19-taxi-grant