Government signals intent to introduce national minimum standards for taxi and PHV licensing

The UK Government has unveiled reforms to taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing, as part of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. New clauses (NC49–NC57), tabled at Report Stage in the House of Commons.  These, if passes, will establish a national framework of minimum standards across England, ending decades of fragmented local regulation.

The proposed amendments were put forward by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, signalling the government’s clear intention to bring these changes to fruition and embed national consistency into taxi and PHV licensing.

Key features of the reforms

• Uniform standards nationwide: All taxi and PHV drivers, vehicles, and operators will be subject to the same baseline requirements, regardless of local authority.
• Licensing decisions: Authorities will be required to refuse, suspend, or revoke licences where national standards are not met, creating consistency in enforcement.
• Retrospective application: Existing licence holders may be required to meet new standards, not just new applicants.
• Safeguarding and safety: Standards may include mandatory background checks, safeguarding training, and vehicle compliance measures such as emissions or accessibility requirements.
• Central oversight: The Secretary of State will be empowered to amend or repeal parts of historic taxi legislation, embedding modern standards into law.
• Guidance and consultation: Licensing authorities must have regard to national guidance, with the government required to consult before issuing regulations.

The reforms follow the National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, which highlighted inconsistent taxi and PHV licensing as a safeguarding risk. The audit recommended stronger oversight to prevent exploitation and ensure passenger safety.

By creating a single national framework, ministers aim to close loopholes that have allowed unsafe practices to persist in some areas, while also improving public confidence in licensed transport services.