Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Taxi Licensing

Thursday 8 February 2024 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department for Transport issues guidance to licensing authorities in England to help them regulate the taxi and private hire vehicle sector, including statutory standards and best practice guidance updated in November 2023.
  • There is already a database and a duty on local authorities to share information regarding taxi licences, enabling licences to be taken away in specific circumstances.
  • A new law came into force on 27 April 2023 requiring licensing authorities in England to use a database for refusals, suspensions, and revocations on safeguarding or road safety grounds.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge
Transport
Context

The question stems from concerns about inconsistent taxi licensing practices across local authorities in England.

Question

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.

Answer from Guy Opperman

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.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Stephanie Peacock Lab Barnsley South
Business Compliance
Context

Taxi drivers from outside Barnsley are undermining local pricing and regulatory measures, causing concerns about differences in training and safety standards.

Question

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?

Answer from Guy Opperman

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not addressed; no timeline or concrete action steps were provided.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Clive Betts Lab Sheffield South East
Transport
Context

There are issues with customers taking complaints to licensing authorities that are far away and lack proper oversight for out-of-borough hires.

Question

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?

Answer from Guy Opperman

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not addressed; no legislative timeline or policy announcement was provided.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge
Taxation Transport
Context

The current regulatory framework is seen as outdated, particularly in light of the growing influence of ride-hailing companies like Uber.

Question

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?

Answer from Guy Opperman

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.

Not addressed: The questioner's specific ask was not addressed; instead, the answer focused on defending current regulations and addressing only the Uber case.

How: Deflecting Criticism Of Existing Legislation

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q5 Louise Haigh Lab Sheffield Heeley
Safeguarding & DBS Women & Equalities
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Guy Opperman

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about agreement with risks was not addressed; the answer provided existing legislation without acknowledging potential dangers.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email