Support for cabbies in borough gets green light

The council has confirmed that the scheme will provide licence holders with a payment of £700 to meet a range of vehicle-associated costs.

The scheme comes just a couple of days after Labour Party councillors called for the move, with Cllr Kevin McKeon calling the pandemic an "extremely challenging financial climate" for drivers.

Launching soon, the council will be making direct contact with those eligible for support through the scheme.

Throughout the pandemic, Bolton Council has continued to support local businesses and industries with a range of business grants.

This latest initiative follows a number of meetings and discussions with the private hire and Hackney carriage trades and their representatives.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “We would like to thank the taxi trade representatives for supporting the council in developing this financial package over the past few weeks.

“We know this will be very welcome and thank them for their commitment to assist the council to deliver the support over the coming months ahead.”

Cllr Nick Peel, leader of the Bolton Labour Group, said that he welcomed the move, but questioned why it had taken so long.

He said: "I am pleased that the council has finally agreed to listen to us. We have been calling for this for a while, with councillors and Yasmin Qureshi MP leading the way.

"A lot of people will be asking the question; why didn't it happen sooner?"

The move has been welcomed by representatives of Bolton’s private hire and Hackney carriage drivers.

Charlie Oakes of the Hackney Drivers Association, said: “The trade is going through hard times, we thank the council and staff for all their hard work and being upfront with us, the money will help.”

Yasif Khan of the Bolton Private Hire Association added: “We would like to thank the councillors and the licensing officers for the help they have given through this pandemic.

"The grant will be really helpful for the drivers at this difficult time.”