Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if his Department will issue new guidance to local authorities on the issuing of Hackney carriage or taxi licences to include higher quality background checks and improved standards.

The best practice guidance issued by the Department for Transport to local licensing authorities is currently being reviewed and updated. In addition to this, the Government has also introduced an amendment to the Policing and Crime Bill that will enable statutory guidance to be issued on aspects related to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. Both parts of the guidance will be consulted on once the Policing and Crime Bill receives Royal Assent.