Guernsey Press

Financial help for taxi drivers to last until September

TAXI drivers will continue to receive States financial support until the end of September.

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(Picture by Adrian Miller, 28444481)

Policy & Resources has reviewed representations from the industry, which continues to be heavily impacted by the lack of visitors as a result of ongoing border controls.

Through the payroll co-funding scheme, those who demonstrate their business is being impacted can apply for 80% or 100% of the minimum wage for employees (or for themselves if they are self-employed), which is a continuation of the rules that applied up until June.

‘We know there are some taxi and private car drivers who are very reliant on trade from both inbound and outbound holidaymakers as well as business travellers,’ said Policy & Resources vice-president Lyndon Trott, who leads on financial support measures.

‘The journeys they make to and from hotels or the airport account for a lot of their income in normal times.

‘We’re already supporting other sectors that depend on visitors, including accommodation providers, restaurants, retail and others, and it’s appropriate that taxi drivers receive the same support.’

Policy & Resources is also concerned that some businesses are not taking full advantage of another financial support measure agreed in June.

Rent owed by commercial tenants of States-owned premises is being waived, rather than deferred, for those who have not been able to open during lockdown, for the period where they were closed, which in most cases is from mid-March to late May/early June. So far few tenants have been in contact.