Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what advice his Department has provided to cab drivers on protecting themselves and their passengers from the transmission of covid-19; and what financial support the Government has provided to cab drivers to implement requisite protective measures.

The Government has published transport guidance on the safe provision of transport services during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are separate guidance documents for transport providers and for passengers. Both guidance documents cover all modes. The guidance sets out Government recommendations on who should be traveling and under what circumstances, and how social distancing rules should be interpreted. It also includes information about cleaning practices. In addition, we have been in contact with industry bodies to support interpretation of the guidance for the taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) sector.

We are aware of the issues being faced by the taxi sector and are working with industry to understand the particular pressures they are facing. The Self-employment Income Support Scheme allows taxi and PHV drivers to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for the 3 months from April to June. This is a temporary scheme, but it may be extended.