A Dundee taxi driver has criticised the city council for delays to a pandemic support grant payout.
Gregor Ross applied for the £750 payment earlier this year and was told he would be paid by last week at the latest.
But the driver, who lives in Wormit, Fife, has yet to see any money and has been left struggling with bills and daily outgoings.
His trade was cut drastically during the pandemic and the money will help balance the shortfall.
He has now received the support of local MSP Willie Rennie who in turn has contacted Kate Forbes, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy.
Speaking to Dundee Live, Mr Ross said the delay was now impacting his day-to-day life.
He told us: “I am disgusted and extremely disappointed at this level of service from the council.
“I applied for the grant on 7th January and was told the payment would be made no later than 4th February.
“But with no surprise the financial package has not been paid out.
“It has left me struggling at home with bills and other outgoings.”
Lib Dem MSP, Willie Rennie, took up Mr Ross’s case with Dundee City Council.
He told his constituent: “For drivers, local authorities will make a further payment of £750 to all drivers who previously received a grant through the Taxi and Private Hire Driver and Operator Support Fund in 2021.
“For operators, local authorities will make a payment to all eligible operators who previously received a grant through the Taxi and Private Hire Driver and Operator Support Fund in 2021.
“The amount you receive will depend on the number of vehicles you have.
“Payments are being administered by local authorities on behalf of the Scottish Government.”
Mr Rennie also contacted Kate Forbes in the Scottish Government.
She highlighted the key role taxi drivers have played during the pandemic, saying: “The trade plays a vitally important role in Scotland’s public transport network and I do not underestimate the contribution that the industry has made during the pandemic.
“We have proactively engaged with the sector, and I understand the concerns of drivers and operators.
“We are providing further funding of up to £28 million for the taxi and private hire sector - bringing our total support for the industry since the start of the pandemic to more than £107 million.”
A Dundee City Council spokesperson said: “Applications are being processed after the scheme opened last Thursday.
"The council has been in contact with this driver about their application."
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