ALL THINGS LICENSING
The Institute of Licensing – open to everyone in the trade
I want to reiterate a message that I often share at the Expo: the Institute of Licensing is not just for councils.
continue to play a key role in supporting disabled passengers and those with additional mobility needs within integrated transport networks.
While the strategy reinforces the strategic importance of taxis and private hire vehicles, it however places the delivery burden squarely on local authorities. It does not propose addressing the elephant in the room that the taxi and PHV service is almost entirely private enterprise, whereas other forms of public transport receive significant subsidies to operate.
In combination with the enforcement reforms under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, this suggests: l Rising expectations of proactive enforcement and visible safety standards
l Continued reliance on local leadership, despite cross-border and national operating models
l A widening gap between policy ambition and the resourcing or powers available to councils
Without accompanying reform to licensing law, data sharing or funding mechanisms, councils may face increasing pressure to deliver transport integration outcomes using tools that were not designed for that purpose, highlighting the growing disconnect between national transport objectives and the locally funded, locally enforced licensing system responsible for delivering them.
PHTM EXPO 2026
Finally, as ever, the PHTM EXPO remains one of the highlights of my professional year. I’m very much looking forward to attending, representing the Institute of Licensing on our sponsors’ stand, and speaking with as many of you as possible.
Please come along for a chat! Whether you want to talk about licensing issues, the implications of the Surrey reorganisation, or ideas for future PHTM articles!
PHTM MAY 2026
The IoL brings together: l Licensing authorities l Taxi and PHV trade representatives l Operators l Legal professionals l Industry suppliers l Enforcement specialists
Our aim is to create a broad, collaborative environment where ideas, challenges and best practice can be shared openly.
The IoL provides two major publications free to members: l LINK (Licensing Information News & Knowledge): quarterly, sector-wide updates
l The Journal of Licensing: three editions per year, covering legal matters, case law and professional commentary
Members also gain access to regional events, most of which are free, providing excellent opportunities to hear from experts, ask difficult questions, and network with peers.
And finally, the IoL’s communications network, including rapid “licensing flashes” and the member discussion forum, ensures professionals stay informed in real time. If you work in or alongside the taxi and PHV sector, then by definition you are involved in licensing, and the IoL is here to support you.
Looking ahead
The coming year will be one of the most significant periods of change for licensing in Surrey in decades. The election of the new shadow authorities in May 2026 marks the start of a transition that will shape taxi and private hire licensing both in Surrey and nationally for years to come.
It’s an exciting time, a challenging time, and I believe a huge opportunity. I look forward to discussing this and the wider work of the Institure with many of you at the PHTM EXPO.
For further details, and to make sure you don’t get left behind visit:
https://instituteoflicensing.org/
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