Scottish Labour leader has called
on to set out how and when urgent financial aid
promised to cabbies will be paid.
Leonard has been contacted by taxi drivers in “dire need” of this
support and “seeking urgent advice” about when the cash will be
available.
Cabbies who lost fares and bookings during the pandemic, are now
facing a severe drop in their annual traditional Christmas trade
due to ongoing Covid restrictions.
However, Leonard said that “many are facing very real hardship
with continued outgoings” including vehicle running costs and
insurance.
announced a £30 million 'discretionary fund' for
councils to deliver extra support for businesses, including taxi
drivers, after Leonard raised the plight of cabbies in a letter
to the First Minister.
However, since the announcement, Leonard’s office has been
inundated with queries from taxi drivers about how they can get
the assistance.
In a new letter to , said: “Many
are scouring the websites of their local authorities for further
information, but this does not yet appear to be available.
“Can I therefore request that you provide information on when and
how these funds will be or have been allocated and disbursed to
local authorities and provide an indication as to when this group
of workers may will be able to access these funds,” Leonard
added.
ENDS
Notes to editors
New letter to the Frist Minister attached
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/taxi-drivers-could-lose-jobs-23006213
