If you’re a self-employed taxi driver based in Northumberland you could be eligible for a new and second grant scheme which has just been opened for applications. 

 

The Additional Restrictions Grant (Taxi) Version 2 has been launched, and may provide support for drivers who were not eligible for the initial scheme.  

 

Applicants must be self-employed taxi or private hire drivers licensed with the council and have suffered loss of income due to COVID-19 restrictions.  

 

Cllr Nick Oliver, cabinet member for corporate resources at Northumberland County Council said: “We know that the taxi trade provides a vital service, particularly in our rural county, and as a key part of the visitor economy. 

 

“The original scheme was developed to focus Government funding on self-employed drivers who have not been able to access wider support through national measures.     

 

“The new scheme recognises that self-employed taxi drivers continue to have fixed costs associated with running the service, so a one-off payment of £200 will be made to eligible drivers as a contribution to this. 

 

“We thank taxi drivers for their feedback and hope that this provides some support for them.” 

 

Application will be by way of a short form which can be found at www.northumberland.gov.uk/businesshub   If taxi drivers meet the criteria for both grants, they are able to apply for both grants.

 

Northumberland County Council continues to lobby Government for support for business sectors which have not been able to access national schemes or other forms of support – including self-catering holiday lets, which have so far not been included in the business types for which funding has been provided.