CASEY REPORT: Government told weak cross border taxi licensing laws risk enabling child sexual exploitation
- Perry Richardson
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
A new government-commissioned report has found that weaknesses in taxi licensing regulations are undermining efforts to prevent child sexual exploitation in parts of England and Wales.
The “National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse”, led by Baroness Louise Casey, specifically highlights taxi licensing loopholes as a factor that continues to place children at risk.
The recently published audit reviewed how public institutions have responded to group-based child sexual exploitation. One of the key findings in Chapter 7 focuses on the role taxis play in facilitating exploitation, particularly in areas where victims are moved from location to location by perpetrators.
While local authorities are responsible for licensing taxi drivers, the report finds that inconsistent standards across the country have left gaps in protection. Some councils, especially those with previous exposure to group-based exploitation cases, have gone beyond statutory minimums to implement stricter controls. These include more rigorous background checks and safeguarding training.
However, such efforts are being undermined by national regulatory loopholes. The most serious issue identified is the ability for drivers to be licensed in one area but operate in another. This practice makes it difficult for local councils to enforce their own safeguarding standards, and risks allowing unsuitable individuals to work undetected in more vulnerable regions.
The report calls on the Department for Transport to urgently close this loophole and set higher, standardised requirements for taxi licensing across all local authorities. It argues that current arrangements are not fit for purpose and hinder efforts to protect children from organised sexual abuse networks.
The findings build on previous cases, including in Rotherham and Rochdale, where taxis were repeatedly used to transport victims. These cases showed how predators exploited weaknesses in oversight and mobility within the taxi trade.
Baroness Casey concludes that, while some councils have recognised the safeguarding role taxi licensing can play, their hands are tied unless national legislation is reformed. The audit recommends immediate government action to ensure all councils have the tools needed to keep children safe, regardless of where a taxi driver is licensed.
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