ALL THINGS LICENSING
only attests to the com- plexities of the sector and adds to the cynicism of many that this task is likely to be moved into the ‘too difficult’ pile when consul- tation starts and different groups have their say.
l Standardised licensing across a geographical region administered by a single authority will reduce inconsistency between areas.
l Improved enforcement as larger authorities should have greater capacity to ensure new local standards are adhered to, although it will also be interesting to see how the specifically referenced challenges related to cross-border working are addressed as many areas have an influx of drivers and vehicles which are licensed some consider- able distance away, which will not be resolved by larger local authorities.
l Achieving economies of scale through improved efficiency through centralising operations and reducing administrative costs.
Clearly the hope is that there will be less incentive for operators to seek licences in areas far away from where they intend to work, thus reducing the long standing out of area working issue. However, in the White Paper the Government specifically notes the sector’s complexity and the potential impact of these changes, advising that it will consult with stakeholders; including operators, local authorities, and passenger groups to ensure it fully understand the concerns of those involved and implications before making a final decision.
However, as positive and as much needed as this sounds, the sceptic in me will only believe it when I see it, as we have been in this position before. These changes very much depend on collaboration between councils to form a larger administrative authority and echo the previous Levelling Up plans to continue to administer the same laws which were fraught with the difficulties of trying to make out of date laws work, albeit on a bigger scale. Let us also not forget that the Law Commission Report from ten years ago has never been responded to, which
PHTM JANUARY 2025
Nevertheless, if the Devolution White Paper does make its way into law, there is likely to be a revolution for the licensed sector which would bring it into line it with the Government’s wider goals for local devolution and regional accountability.
What about a National Transport Strategy?
Just a few days before publication of the White Paper, the Government released a consultation calling for ideas for an integrated National Transport Strategy. Whilst the White Paper recognises the essential role that taxis and private hire vehicles play in local transport networks, particularly for vulnerable groups who rely heavily on their services, and echoes the Best Practice position that ensuring the services are safe, efficient, and properly regulated; unfortunately, there is no mention of the licensed sector whatsoever in this consultation.
This is at best confusing and disappointing considering the emphasis in the White Paper about improving transport regionally and the important role the licensed trade deliver, adding weight to the view that the Government is unsure how best to manage the licensed sector and my worry that all this New Year optimism and hype will not bring about much needed improvement.
Therefore, I would encourage licence holders to view the consultation and emphasise the important role the licensed trade play in transporting members of the public.
The consultation is available at:
https://shorturl.at/r34nR
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