Calls for taxi licensing review over safeguarding

Safeguarding concerns have been raised over the high number of taxi licences being registered in Wolverhampton, despite many drivers not living there.

It comes after Baroness Casey's review, published in June into abuse by grooming gangs in England and Wales, stated that taxis have historically been identified as a way children can be at risk of child sexual exploitation.

Simon Bennett, Conservative opposition leader at the council, has called for an immediate cross-party scrutiny review into safeguarding and the council's licensing regime.

The council said safeguarding was a number one priority in taxi licensing.

Figures last year showed that up to 96% of taxi driver licences issued in Wolverhampton between April 2023 and end of March 2024 were for people living outside the city

In a letter to council leader Stephen Simkins, Bennett said it was essential the council moves "urgently to review and improve its processes, reassure the public, and uphold its duty of care" after the publication of the Casey review last month.

He added that the review he was calling needed to reassure the public and ensure the council's policies met the highest standards.

Taxi drivers do not have to live and work where they obtain their licence and the council has said it was illegal for it to refuse and to impose a limit on the number of private hire licences issued.

Last month, ministers said laws would be passed to tackle the inconsistent taxi and private hire standards amid fears some vehicles "are a dangerous place for many children and young people".

In his letter, Bennett urged the council to offer "full and unconditional support" in contributing to a national inquiry and Department for Transport review of licensing laws.

In response, the council said it welcomed any measures or changes to law from government to help tackle the issue.

"We lead the way nationally on using technology to help with safeguarding, including being the only council to do daily DBS checks on all drivers and the first council to offer driver licence checks by smartphone. We implement the government's statutory standards and best practice guidance.

"We also have officers out across the country, every Friday and Saturday night, working to protect the public."

It added: "We do not gain financially from taxi licensing, as the fees are legally ringfenced for spend only on related activities," the spokesperson added.

The motion by Bennett will be considered by full council next week.

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