It has been reported that the work to harmonise taxi and private hire licensing standards in Greater Manchester will be delayed.

It was initially planned for the work to go out to consultation in the autumn.

However, John Garforth, Trading Standards and Licensing Manager, Oldham Council and Chair, GM Licensing Network recently provided the following update:

“In 2018, Greater Manchester’s 10 local authorities agreed to collectively develop, finalise and implement a common set of minimum standards for Taxi and Private Hire services licensed in Greater Manchester. The proposed standards have four areas of focus: driver standards, vehicles standards, operator standards and local authority standards.

“Greater Manchester Leaders have consistently stated that these standards must align with the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan proposals and support the requirements to tackle air pollution across the region. The 10 local authorities are awaiting feedback from government on some elements of those proposals, most notably the funding available to support vehicle upgrades – including taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs).

“With this uncertainty, and the lack of clarity around the Government’s intention to legislate for national minimum licensing standards for taxis and PHVs in the future, there will be no consultation on the proposed Greater Manchester common minimum standards this autumn, however we will continue to engage with the trade on the development of both Clean Air Plan and common minimum standards.”