Local MSP Bruce Crawford, and Councillor Evelyn Tweed have welcomed news that taxi and private hire drivers in Stirling will have access to three times the amount of Scottish Government support than they did last year.
Eligible drivers will be able to claim a £1,500 grant to cover fixed costs, boosting the support available to them by the Scottish Government.
A total fund of £57million has been available to taxi and private hire drivers – three times more than the allocated funding in December.
Commenting Bruce Crawford said:
‘I welcome this funding announcement from the SNP Scottish Government. Many taxi and private hire drivers in Stirling have gone above and beyond the call of duty by providing vital transport for key workers and safely transporting people to hospital appointments during this pandemic.
‘This substantial increase in support will go some way in supporting drivers and the industry through what has been a particularly tough time due to this dreadful virus.’
Local Councillor Evelyn Tweed said:
‘Despite the restrictions, many fixed costs have still remained for drivers, such as general maintenance, licence plate fees, rental fees and insurance payments. This increase in funding will help cover these expensive costs.
‘I would urge firms and Stirling Council to get in touch with each other quickly to ensure this support can get to where it’s needed as soon as possible.’
Notes
More info on eligibility can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-taxi-and-private-hire-driver-support-fund/
