Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure the viability of the private hire and hackney carriage trade.

The Department has regular engagement with taxi and private hire vehicle stakeholders and understands that there is strong demand for their services. The Government will publish revised best practice guidance for licensing authorities in due course. This will encourage proportionate regulation to enable the sector to deliver safe, accessible, and affordable services that meet the differing needs of passengers.