Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner responds to call to end cross-border taxi licensing in opening day Commons debate
- Perry Richardson
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
A renewed call to end cross-border taxi licensing was raised in Parliament during a Commons debate on the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.
The discussion, held on 2 September, saw Labour MP James Frith press for urgent reforms to protect local taxi drivers and passengers on the opening day back at the House of Commons after a summer break.
Frith, who represents Bury North, highlighted growing concerns in Greater Manchester, where around half of all private hire drivers are licensed outside the region. He argued that the situation weakens local enforcement and undermines standards, while disadvantaging those drivers who follow local rules and licensing procedures.
He urged the Government to use the Bill as an opportunity to tackle the issue, saying it could “fix that, protect passengers, raise and maintain standards, and back the best in trade”.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner responded in agreement, acknowledging the ongoing challenges raised by the Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham. She confirmed that the Government remains committed to introducing legislation to address cross-border licensing, with the Leader of the House present to hear the call for swift progress.
Cross-border licensing remains a divisive topic across England’s taxi and private hire sectors. Under current rules, drivers can be licensed in one local authority area and operate freely in another, as long as bookings are made through an operator licensed in the same area as the driver. Critics say this legal loophole prevents proper oversight and can put passenger safety at risk.
With growing pressure from local authorities, trade groups, and now Parliament, the Government is expected to act in the coming months.
Frith MP said: “We are very proud of the work of our Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham. On the issue of driving change, I would like to raise a point about drivers. Half of private hire taxis in Greater Manchester are licensed outside the area. That undermines local enforcement and accountability as well as local drivers who do the right thing. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Bill is a chance to fix that, protect passengers, raise and maintain standards, and back the best in trade?"
Deputy Prime Minister Rayner responded: “As another Greater Manchester MP, my hon. Friend will know that Mayor Burnham has been trying to address taxi licensing for some years. I think, Madam Deputy Speaker, you were here for the previous statement, which I listened to intently, in which the Minister made it clear that there is a commitment to introduce that legislation as quickly as possible. We need to make sure that that vehicle is there, and sitting next to me is the Leader of the House, whose job it is to make sure that happens.”
