Transport Committee pressed government for detail on national taxi standards plan prior to inquiry quizzing
- Perry Richardson
- 6 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The House of Commons Transport Committee formally challenged the Government to provide further detail on its plans to introduce national minimum standards for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing, ahead of a key evidence session last week.
In a letter dated 11 December 2025, committee chair Ruth Cadbury MP wrote to Lilian Greenwood MP, questioning how the proposed standards would operate in practice and warning that significant aspects of the policy remain unclear.
The standards are due to be introduced through an amendment to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, rather than as part of the Bill when it was originally published. The amendment would give the Secretary of State powers to set minimum requirements across taxi and PHV drivers, vehicles and operators in England.
According to the committee, evidence gathered since its licensing inquiry began in July 2025 has highlighted deep divisions within the sector over whether national standards should act as a baseline or impose a uniform framework on all licensing authorities. MPs said this debate makes it essential that Parliament fully understands the Government’s intentions before legislation is finalised.
MPs sought clarity on scope, timing and retrospective impact of proposed national minimum licensing standards
The letter also asked for clarity on comments made during the Bill’s passage suggesting that local transport authorities could take over responsibility for taxi and PHV licensing. The committee wanted to know when such a consultation would begin, what it would cover, and how it might affect the current system of 263 licensing authorities in England.
Separately, the committee highlighted government statements from November 2025 indicating that ministers are considering wider reforms to out-of-area working, including proposals that could reduce the number of licensing authorities to around 70. MPs said they needed more detail on which options are actively being developed, given the operational and enforcement implications for councils and the trade.
One of the most sensitive issues raised is the potential for national minimum standards. The Explanatory Note accompanying the amendment confirms that existing licences could be affected, but the committee said it remains unclear how drivers and operators would be assessed against new requirements once already licensed.
The committee also questioned why the policy was introduced by amendment rather than being included in the Bill from the outset, particularly given the Government’s own acknowledgement that the first use of the powers could prove controversial and require the affirmative parliamentary procedure.
The Transport Committee took oral evidence from Greenwood on 14 January which concludes its inquiry.
