Taxi Licensing 2024-02-08
2024-02-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question stems from concerns about inconsistent taxi licensing practices across local authorities in England.
What steps he is taking to ensure consistent standards of taxi licensing across local authorities. The Department for Transport issues guidance but enforcement varies widely, leading to disparities between local authority regulations.
The Department for Transport issues guidance to licensing authorities in England to help them regulate the sector, including the statutory taxi and private hire vehicle standards and best practice guidance updated in November 2023. The Government enacted legislation last year requiring licensing authorities in England to use a national database to share information.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Taxi drivers from outside Barnsley are undermining local pricing and regulatory measures, causing concerns about differences in training and safety standards.
Local taxi drivers in Barnsley are having their prices undermined by cross-border taxi drivers who do not have to abide by the same regulatory measures. The Labour party has committed to action. When will the Government do the same?
There is already a database and a duty on local authorities to share information. Licences can be taken away in the particular circumstances mentioned by the hon. Lady.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was not addressed; no timeline or concrete action steps were provided.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There are issues with customers taking complaints to licensing authorities that are far away and lack proper oversight for out-of-borough hires.
Taxis and private hire vehicles need proper safety checks, but when journeys take place or finish outside the licensing authority area, the system does not work. When will the Minister legislate to ensure that all journeys can be made in a licensed vehicle only within the licensing authority's jurisdiction?
With the greatest respect to the hon. Gentleman, we have already brought in changes to the rules that mean individual authorities can take action against an individual operating in another authority.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was not addressed; no legislative timeline or policy announcement was provided.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The current regulatory framework is seen as outdated, particularly in light of the growing influence of ride-hailing companies like Uber.
As colleagues have mentioned, cross-border issues remain a problem. Additionally, there are concerns about changes in operator-driver relationships due to potential VAT imposition on private hire journeys. Does this not highlight that modernisation was needed long ago?
I would not refer to regulations written in 2020 and updated in 2023 as outdated. The Government must address the Uber case identified, which is a court matter that will be consulted on after.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner's specific ask was not addressed; instead, the answer focused on defending current regulations and addressing only the Uber case.
Deflecting Criticism Of Existing Legislation
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Rotherham council set stringent safety and training requirements for taxi drivers following a child sexual exploitation scandal, but these are being undercut by current deregulation efforts.
I associate myself with the Secretary of State's best wishes to His Majesty the King. After the Rotherham scandal, high standards were set, including CCTV installation in cabs and NQV level 3 on child safeguarding. These are now at risk due to deregulation by the Government. Does he agree that this is putting women and girls' safety at risk? Is it time for robust national legislation?
On 27 April 2023, a new law came into force requiring licensing authorities in England to use a database for refusals, suspensions and revocations on safeguarding or road safety grounds. This change will protect passengers, including women and girls.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about agreement with risks was not addressed; the answer provided existing legislation without acknowledging potential dangers.
Response accuracy