Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the level of variation in the time taken to complete private hire vehicle licence applications across local authorities in England.

The Department for Transport’s best practice guidance to licensing authorities in England is clear that all authorities should consider how best to deliver the statutory function of taxi and private hire vehicle licensing. Providing an efficient licensing system benefits both those in the trade and those wishing to enter it, and passengers through greater choice and availability of services.