Government confirms pre‑legislative scrutiny for major taxi and PHV reform bill

The Government has confirmed that its forthcoming Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) Reform Bill has now been granted authority for pre‑legislative scrutiny, marking a significant step forward in the long‑awaited overhaul of taxi and PHV law in England.

In a letter sent to the Institute of Licensing on 13 May, Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood MP said the Department for Transport had secured approval for a parliamentary select committee to undertake the detailed examination of an early draft of the Bill. Pre‑legislative scrutiny allows MPs and peers to review and challenge the proposals before a formal Bill is introduced to Parliament.

“I am pleased to confirm that we have been granted authority for pre‑legislative scrutiny for a bill to reform taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) legislation,” Greenwood wrote, adding that the process would take place “ahead of a draft bill being introduced.”

The announcement follows the Government’s commitment in the King’s Speech to bring forward a major reform package for the sector, modernising legislation that in some cases dates back to the Victorian era.

Building on recent legislative changes

Greenwood said the new Bill builds on powers already secured through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, which introduced national standards‑setting powers and enabled licensing authorities to temporarily suspend any taxi or PHV licence issued anywhere in England if immediate action is needed to protect public safety.

The forthcoming Bill is intended to complete that reform agenda by delivering a modern, consistent regulatory framework across England.

What the new Bill will deliver

According to the Minister’s letter, the Bill aims to:

• Modernise taxi and PHV law to reflect how people travel today, including the widespread use of booking apps.
• Strengthen public safety, including delivering on commitments made in response to Baroness Casey’s National Audit on Group‑based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
• Give regulators stronger enforcement powers, enabling swift action against unsafe or non‑compliant drivers and operators.
• Mandate a national database of all licensed drivers, vehicles and operators to improve transparency and information‑sharing.
• Improve accessibility by strengthening protections for disabled passengers and removing barriers to travel.
• Provide a consistent customer experience across local authority boundaries.
• Support a thriving, professional sector with clearer rules and fair competition.

Greenwood emphasised the safeguarding importance of reform, noting that Baroness Casey had highlighted how inconsistent licensing standards “create vulnerabilities… that can be exploited by grooming gangs.”

The Minister said she looked forward to continued engagement with the Institute of Licensing as the draft Bill is prepared for scrutiny.