Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the financial support available to taxi drivers who have been affected financially by the covid-19 outbreak.

The Government has acted to support those that are self-employed and have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak across all sectors of the economy. The overwhelming majority of taxi and private hire vehicle drivers are self-employed and can therefore apply for a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS). Over the two rounds of the scheme a total of up to £14,070has been made available to those eligible.

Taxi and PHV drivers may also be eligible for Universal Credit, from 6 April the standard allowance available under the Universal Credit system was increased from £317.82 to £409.89 a month. In addition, the Universal Credit calculation was amended, no longer using an assumed level of earnings (Minimum Income Floor) but actual earnings.