Dumfries and Galloway Council has provided a “Taxicard” scheme for less able members of the community since 1989. This provides £100 annual credit to those eligible for the scheme, which can be used to buy taxi service from participating operators.
It is a non-statutory function, and essentially “tops up” some benefits received by disabled people in respect of maintaining their ability to travel. The scheme is available to residents of Dumfries and Galloway who are:
-Registered blind
-In receipt of higher rate mobility element of DLA or PIP Mobility Component Standard or Enhanced Rate
-Over the age of 60 and have a severe restriction of mobility
-In receipt of War Pensioner Mobility Supplement
Under the new system, users that want to travel with McLeans Taxis based in Stranraer, Newton Stewart and Dumfries will receive a card containing £100 credit. All other taxi operators on the scheme will be paid using a voucher with scheme members receiving 50 x £2 vouchers.
Councillor Colin Smyth, Chairman of the Economy, Environment and Infrastructure Committee said, “The new Taxicard scheme was a key measure in our recent budget to support vulnerable people across the region. It will provide those eligible with £100 to help towards the cost of taxi journeys, which in many cases is the difference between whether they can or can’t get out and about.
Although the current scheme was a real lifeline for many people, the number of taxi operators providing the scheme was limited in some areas. However, thanks to the extra investment of £105,000 a year agreed in the budget the new scheme, which comes into affect on 1 April will be significantly improved, with more taxi operators than ever before.”
“We have written to the 1115 existing users making them aware of the new scheme but anyone who believes they could qualify for the scheme should contact the council.”
DG Voice is an expanding disability movement in South West Scotland, Chairman of DG Voice Frank Smith said:
“DGVoice supports the principles and objectives of the Taxicard scheme. We therefore welcome the continuing commitment of Dumfries & Galloway Council to the Taxicard. The scheme offers flexibility for users and hopefully it will be available to more users in a wider area. As a member led organisation, DGVoice believes that users of the scheme should have a central role in giving feedback on how the scheme is operating and how it might develop.”
Letters to around 1115 active users have been distributed asking them to choose their preferred payment method and clearly outlining the new system. The new Taxicard Scheme will be up and running from 1 April.
Photo – Councillor Colin Smyth, Joe McGurk Board Member DGVoice, Harry Thomson Head of Integrated Transport & Commissioning at Dumfries and Galloway Council
