School transport funding bid fails

A bid to increase funding paid to taxi and coach firms operating school contracts who have been impacted during the coronavirus pandemic was voted down at the council meeting.

SNP councillors had asked that affected companies be paid 75 per cent of their previous contract income, backdated for the period of school closures, rather than the 20 per cent currently in place.

However, an amendment from the

Labour administration, supported by Conservative members, noted that the existing payments“follow government guidance”and are intended to boost taxi contractors’claims to the selfemployment income support scheme (SEISS).

Opposition group secretary Greg Lennon put forward the unsuccessful motion, saying:“Many councillors were contacted by constituents affected by the reduction from 75 to 20 per cent since this decision was made in April.

“It effectively leaves contract operators in severe financial hardship and now sees many forced to leave the industry all together; and the vote highlights the disconnect this Labour administration has with the electorate.”

SNP colleague Agnes Magowan highlighted the impact on youngsters with additional support needs, saying: “They build up a relationship with their taxi driver, who becomes skilled in supporting them – I would be extremely worried if we lost this expertise.”

Council education convener Frank McNally said that SEISS“provides a grant to self-employed individuals or partnerships, worth 80 per cent of earnings up to £2500 per month – the council opped this up to 100 per cent”.

School transport Frank McNally defended the council’s response