Andy Burnham urges reform of taxi licensing rules in devolution bill

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has called for a key amendment to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill that would end the practice of out-of-area taxi licensing. His intervention comes amid growing concern from local authorities and transport leaders about the regulatory loophole that allows private hire drivers to operate in areas where they are not licensed.

Speaking at a recent event hosted by the Local Government Association, Burnham argued that the current system undermines local standards and enforcement efforts. He urged the government to include provisions in the devolution bill that would give local councils greater control over taxi and private hire licensing within their jurisdictions.

Under existing legislation, drivers can obtain a licence from one authority and operate in another, often choosing areas with less stringent requirements. This has led to frustration among councils that have invested in higher safety and quality standards, only to see them bypassed by out-of-area operators.

Burnham described the issue as a “long-standing problem” and stressed that reform is essential to ensure public safety and restore confidence in local transport regulation. He said the proposed amendment would close the loophole and allow licensing authorities to enforce standards consistently across their regions.

The call for change has been echoed by other metro mayors and council leaders, who argue that the current framework is outdated and incompatible with the government’s broader goals of local empowerment and accountability. They contend that without reform, local authorities will continue to struggle with enforcement and face challenges in maintaining public trust.

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which recently passed its second reading in Parliament, is expected to undergo further scrutiny in committee.