Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council has joined The Metro Mayor, City Mayor and other Liverpool City Region Council leaders to announce £1.5m COVID-19 Fund for Local Authorities to support Taxi Drivers.

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is to provide a fund of up to £1.5 million to the six local authorities in the city region, including Sefton, to enable them to give grants to hard-pressed taxi drivers.

The funding will be allocated proportionately to each local authority, according to the number of licenced taxi drivers in their area.

The Fund will enable all of the city region’s local authorities to introduce and administer schemes which benefit local taxi drivers in addition to what is available to them through national support schemes.

Cllr Maher, said:

“I recognise that the last few months have been exceptionally difficulty for Sefton taxi drivers, and I hope that this new fund will go some way to easing the financial pressure taxi drivers are facing.

“In addition to this fund, the Sefton Council website has lots of information and advice about what other funding and financial support may be available for taxi drivers, and other self-employed business owners in Sefton. For example, the Self Employment Support Scheme will allow you to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of your trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for three months, although may be extended if needed. You can apply if you’re a self-employed individual or a member of a partnership.

“I know that taxi drivers who have fallen on hard times recently, like many of our residents who need help during this crisis, are being supported by their family, friends or neighbours. But for anyone who doesn’t have that support network in place, I want to make sure you know Sefton Council and our partners at Sefton CVS are here to help. Have a look on our website www.sefton.gov.uk/covid19 or call us on 0345 140 0845. The team will ask you a few questions and your information will be shared with Sefton CVS (Community Volunteer Service) who are co-ordinating the support in the community.”

The details of how the funding will be issued to taxi drivers are currently being finalised and further information will be available shortly on the Sefton Council website soon. It is expected that payments will be made before Christmas.

In a joint statement with the other city region leaders, Cllr Maher said:

“We recognise the hardship experienced by our area’s taxi drivers, who have seen their trade seriously affected by the Coronavirus restrictions.

“We know this fund can only make a small contribution but wanted to make this available as a gesture of support for a sector that has been hit hard without adequate support.

“As leaders and mayors, we are continuing to press the Government for financial support packages work for everyone who has seen their livelihood affected by Covid-19 restrictions.”

Steve Rotheram
Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region

Cllr Rob Polhill
Leader of Halton Council

Cllr Graham Morgan
Leader of Knowsley Council

Joe Anderson OBE
Mayor of Liverpool

Cllr Ian Maher
Leader of Sefton Council

Cllr David Baines
Leader of St Helens Council

Cllr Janette Williamson
Leader of Wirral Council

While sole traders without business premises or staff get nothing.