Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Airdrie MSP hails extra funding for taxi drivers
Alex Neil is “delighted” that taxi and private hire drivers in his Airdrie constituency will have access to three times the amount of Scottish Government support they did last year.
The MSP highlighted how eligible drivers will be able to claim a £1500 grant to cover fixed costs, boosting the help on offer to them.
A total fund of £57 million has been available to taxi and private hire drivers, triple the allocated funding in December.
Mr Neil responded: “I am delighted the SNP Scottish Government has increased the funding available to taxi and private hire drivers.
“Many of these drivers in Airdrie have gone above and beyond the call of duty by providing transport for key workers and taking people safely to hospital appointments.
“This substantial increase in support for them is the recognition they deserve in what has been a tough time for the industry due to the lockdown.
“Despite the restrictions, many fixed costs have still remained for drivers, such as general maintenance, licence plate fees, rental fees and insurance payments and the increase in funding will cover these expensive costs.
“I would urge North Lanarkshire Council to contact firms quickly to ensure they can receive the money in their account as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, Mr Neil is also giving his backing to a Member’s Bill which will create a new statutory offence against assaulting, threatening or abusing a retail worker.
The Protection of Workers (Retail and Agerestricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Bill will provide further legal protections when the worker is carrying out their statutory duties such as age-restricted sales.
It comes after concern was raised during the coronavirus pandemic regarding an increase in abuse against retail staff trying to ensure customers maintained social distancing and wore masks while shopping.
Mr Neil said: “I was very happy to vote to support this Bill, and I am pleased to see it passing the third and final stage of the parliamentary process.
“I congratulate Daniel Johnson MSP for introducing the Bill and the shop workers’ union USDAW for their relentless campaign.
“The Bill will help protect retail workers who deserve to go to work each day without the threat of verbal or physical abuse as they carry out their job.
“During the pandemic, retail workers have been key workers, helping to support all of us as we have stayed at home.
“I am pleased the Scottish Parliament has backed this Member’s Bill to protect all retail staff; violence, threats and abuse should never just be part of anyone’s job.”