The Welsh Government and the Department for Transport have developed guidance for the taxi trade relating to financial support, COVID-19 infection control and health and safety advice and general advice which may help you during the coronavirus outbreak. Please follow the links below. If you have a specific query regarding one of your licences, please contact the Licensing Team on 01495 355485 or by email at licensing@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
Taxi Trade Advice - Information to taxi and private hire licensees
http://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/support/sector-specific-content/taxi-trade-advice
and for general advice:-
https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
We would also encourage you to sign up to Blaenau Gwent Business Hub
https://www.blaenaugwentbusinesshub.co.uk/BusinessSupport/Covid-19
Offers of assistance from the Trade
We have received many offers of assistance from the trade which we have directed on to appropriate internal partners. Please continue to let us know of any additional ways in which you think you can support your local community at this time by contacting the Licensing Team.
You may also wish to consider letting others know centrally by visiting: www.gov.uk/coronavirus-support-from-business; this will help the Government to ensure all such offers are considered on a wider basis.
Assisting the Trade
The Self-employment Income Support Scheme will allow you to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of your trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for the next 3 months. This may be extended if needed. More information on the scheme is available at:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme
The above is perhaps particularly relevant to the taxi and PHV trade but it is part of the measures announced, e.g. changes to Universal Credit - more info is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-those-affected-by-covid-19/support-for-those-affected-by-covid-19
Assistance for Businesses
The Chancellor has set out a package of temporary, timely and targeted measures to support public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19. More information on the measures is available at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses