Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the public consultation on local authority Best Practice Guidance for Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles will be published.

The Department for Transport is currently reviewing the Best Practice Guidance on taxi and private hire vehicle licensing. Following Royal Assent to the Policing and Crime Act earlier this year the Department for Transport will for the first time issue Statutory Guidance, this will include specific advice on practical measures to reduce the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse of children and vulnerable adults when using these services.

Both parts of the guidance will be consulted on shortly.