Union backs cabbies in campaign for more help

A NATIONAL taxi union has lent its support to cabbies in Wakefield, who are campaigning for more financial help during lockdown.

The National Private Hire and Taxi Association (NPHTA) said drivers were suffering “severe” distress from not having enough cash and that, nationally, the industry had been treated in a “disgusting” way.

Most taxi drivers in the Wakefield district have been paid from the government’s self-employed grant scheme, which is administered by the local council.

But cabbies say this has only just covered their business costs, such as insurance and road tax, and that the trade needs more help to cover living expenses.

The NPHTA said there was “disparity and confusion from one local authority to another” in how the industry was being supported.

In places like York and Sheffield, drivers have been paid lump sums on top of the self-employed grants.

Wakefield Council defended the way it had administered the support scheme, but said it was looking at “alternative ways to support drivers”.

NPHTA director David Lawrie said: “Councils have been given billions to support local businesses. That funding is not, nor was it intended to be used for, just the hospitality sector. It is the Additional Restrictions Grant which is to support and assist all businesses within their district that have been forced to close or have been severely impacted by the effects of Covid-19.”

Mr Lawrie said it was “vital” that cabbies got more help.