Institute of Licensing to give evidence at Transport Select Committee Inquiry into Taxi and PHV Licensing

The Institute of Licensing has been invited to give oral evidence to the House of Commons Transport Select Committee as part of its ongoing inquiry into the licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs). The evidence session will take place on 19 November 2025.

Representing the Institute will be James Button, President of the Institute of Licensing and author of the leading legal text Button on Taxis.

The Select Committee’s inquiry is examining how the current regulatory framework for taxis and PHVs operates across England, with a particular focus on inconsistencies between licensing authorities. MPs are exploring concerns that drivers may circumvent stricter local standards by obtaining licences in areas with more lenient requirements. The inquiry will also consider whether local authorities have sufficient powers to regulate effectively, the challenges of cross-border working, enforcement issues, and the impact of digital ride-hailing platforms.

In its written submission to the inquiry, the Institute of Licensing called for urgent reform of the taxi and PHV licensing regime. It emphasised the need for a consistent national framework that supports public safety, ensures effective enforcement, and addresses the regulatory challenges posed by technological change and cross-border operations.

The Institute’s full response is available on its website: Institute of Licensing calls for urgent reform of taxi and private hire licensing.

James Button, said:

“I am very pleased that the Institute of Licensing has been asked to give oral evidence to the Transport Committee.

“The Institute has long called for national standards for taxi and for licensees to protect public safety. The ridiculous situation that a driver can be refused a licence in one district and yet be licensed in another undermines public trust in the taxi and private industry.

“The Institute published its “Guidance on determining the suitability of applicants and licensees in the taxi and private trades” in 2018 (revised 2024) as a way of encouraging a standard approach to suitability. Whilst this has been widely adopted by many licensing authorities, statutory national standards are essential.

“There are many other ways in which public safety can be improved, including CCTV in taxis and private hire vehicles, and this is an opportunity for the transport committee to explore some of those possibilities. I hope that this inquiry will lead to the changes that are required.”