Government accepts Southport Inquiry recommendations on taxi and private hire licensing

The Government has accepted recommendations from the first phase of the Southport Inquiry intended to strengthen taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing arrangements following the attack in Southport on 29 July 2024.

The recommendations form part of the Government’s response to the inquiry’s first phase report, which examined the circumstances surrounding the attack and identified lessons for central government, local authorities and other public bodies. Ministers have accepted all 67 recommendations and committed to reporting on progress before publication of the inquiry’s phase two report in spring 2027.

Taxi driver’s actions prompted licensing recommendations

The inquiry examined the actions of the taxi driver who transported Axel Rudakubana to the Hart Space dance studio shortly before the attack.

Evidence heard by the inquiry showed that, after dropping off his passenger, the driver heard loud bangs and screams and saw children fleeing from the building. Believing gunshots had been fired, he drove away from the scene rather than contacting the emergency services immediately. He subsequently picked up another fare, returned home and did not call 999 until approximately 50 minutes later. During the inquiry, the driver said he had panicked, feared for his own safety and deeply regretted not helping the victims or contacting the police sooner.

Following a review by Sefton Council, the driver has since had his taxi driver’s licence revoked after the authority concluded that he no longer met the standards required under its taxi licensing policy. 

Recommendations for taxi and private hire licensing

In response to the inquiry’s findings, the Government has accepted recommendations designed to reinforce the safeguarding and public protection responsibilities of licensed taxi and private hire drivers.

The recommendations include:

• strengthening guidance and training for licensed drivers on responding to emergency situations and safeguarding incidents;
• ensuring drivers understand the importance of promptly contacting the emergency services where there is an immediate risk to life or serious harm;
• reviewing how taxi and private hire licensing policies reflect expectations around public safety and safeguarding responsibilities;
• working with licensing authorities and the taxi and private hire sector to improve consistency in standards and awareness of drivers’ responsibilities during emergencies.

The Government’s response states that these measures will be taken forward alongside wider work involving local authorities and the taxi and private hire industry to improve public protection.