National Taxi Standards

On 25^th November 2025, the House of Commons had now approved a new clause (Clause 49) to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.

The new Clause defines a ‘National Minimum Standard’ and ‘regulated licence’.

A ‘National Minimum Standard’ is defined as :

•  “…a standard prescribed by the Secretary of State under any of sections (Standards relating to the grant of a regulated licence) to (Standards relating to the renewal of a regulated licence).”

A ‘regulated licence’ will include a taxi driver licence, a taxi vehicle licence, a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV)  driver licence, a PHV vehicle licence or a PHV operator licence.

The standards themselves have not yet been produced and are unlikely to arrive for some time.  At present, the Secretary of State has not been given the Authority to prepare the same. 

The new minimum standard will apply to licences issued by any English licensing authority.  The Bill, when it becomes an Act, will not bind Wales or Scotland.

Wales, where these licences are a devolved issue, have been mooting their own proposals for a common standard for some time.

While the new standards may flatten perceived inconsistencies in decisions by Licensing Authorities, the range of fees and differing processing times may continue to fuel licence shopping.

We shall keep you updated.