LGA welcomes draft taxi reforms

The Local Government Association has welcomed the publication of the Draft Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Bill, describing it as an important opportunity to modernise an outdated regulatory system and introduce clearer, more consistent national standards.

The LGA has emphasised that it is particularly pleased the Bill does not propose transferring taxi and PHV licensing responsibilities from district councils to local transport authorities. It argues that such a structural change would not address the core issue of out‑of‑area working and would risk creating unnecessary disruption without improving public safety or enforcement.

This stance mirrors the concerns raised by the Institute of Licensing, which has warned that shifting licensing to transport authorities would be unworkable and would fail to resolve cross‑border issues. The IoL has highlighted that such a move would add complexity, weaken local accountability, and distract from the reforms that genuinely matter: consistent national rules, effective enforcement, and a level playing field for licensing conditions and fees.