Local taxi drivers are being encouraged to take advantage of Calderdale Council’s Taxi Support Scheme, before the deadline of 15^th March 2022.

Since April 2021, the Council has offered Calderdale taxi and private hire drivers the opportunity for free licence renewals for three years, in recognition of the severe impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on many local firms.

To date, nearly £150,000 of driver renewal fees have been paid out by the scheme supporting over 400 drivers. Those who haven’t yet applied are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

The funding for the scheme has been provided from the Government’s Additional Restrictions Grant. To be eligible for the Taxi Support Scheme, drivers must submit their applications to renew their licence before the closing date of 15 March 2022.

The Taxi Support Scheme means that every taxi driver who wants to renew their licence will be offered a free, three-year licence, plus the cost of their DBS check. Those drivers who are not yet due to renew are also eligible to apply early to benefit from the scheme.

Drivers who haven’t yet applied are being contacted to ensure as many as possible can get the support available to help them through the ongoing impact of COVID-19.

For more information and to apply for the scheme, please visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/businesses/licences/private-hire-and-hackney-carriage. Taxi drivers can also email licensing@calderdale.gov.uk with the subject “Taxi Support Scheme Enquiry” to check eligibility.