Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will introduce sentencing guidelines to stop taxis and private hire vehicles from refusing to carry guide dogs.

It is an offence under section 168 of the Equalities Act 2010 to refuse to take an assistance dog in a taxi or private hire vehicle. The maximum penalty is a level 3 fine (up to £1,000)

Sentencing guidelines are a matter for the independent Sentencing Council. Guidelines are available on their website. Guidelines are not available for all offences, but there are general guidelines covering the assessment of seriousness, and magistrates’ guidelines about what to consider when determining the fine in individual cases, taking account of the seriousness of the offence and the means of the offender.