Andy Burnham welcomes government plans to give mayors power over taxi licensing, aiming to curb out-of-area taxis operating in Greater Manchester.
Andy Burnham has hailed a 'big step forward' towards banning Wolverhampton taxis from operating in Greater Manchester . The Greater Manchester mayor has welcomed news that the government will look at whether to give him responsibility over taxi licensing . In London, the mayor runs the taxi licensing regime, but currently outside of the capital this is the responsibility of councils.
The English Devolution White Paper unveiled on Monday (December 16) says that the government will consult on whether to give other mayors the same powers to address concerns over out-of-area taxis. The Manchester Evening News revealed this year that nearly 9,000 private hire drivers in Greater Manchester - around 35 per cent of the total - are licensed with Wolverhampton council. Drivers register in Wolverhampton instead of the region they operate in because it is regarded as an easier, quicker and cheaper licensing regime - although the council denies this. The West Midlands authority isn't doing anything illegal. But it's left some cabbies in Greater Manchester feeling angry - and councils here can't do anything about it. Councils have also raised concerns that they have no control over standards of taxis and drivers in their area if they are not in control of the licensing regime. The government says it recognises there are concerns about out-of-area working by private hire vehicles. And in the White Paper published earlier this week, it promises to explore 'how best to address these concerns' by giving mayors power over taxi licensing. Responding to the announcement, Mr Burnham said: 'I know there'll be two cheers if not three cheers from the Greater Manchester taxi trade because this is a step forward for what they want and what we want as well. Out of area working creates worries for us in terms of standards, criminal records checks, et
Taxi Licensing Greater Manchester Andy Burnham Wolverhampton Devolution
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Greater Manchester's £10m win for greater employment supportA new 'Jobs and Careers Service' will launch, merging the Job Centre with England's National Careers Service
Read more »
Deputy mayor 'concerned' about Greater Manchester Police's use of arrestsPolice bosses are under pressure over how people are treated while in custody.
Read more »
Greater Manchester council plans £59 charge for bin collections in major changeResidents could have to apply for a permit.
Read more »
Anger as Lidl delays plans for new Greater Manchester store 'at last second'A planning application was due to be decided on December 3.
Read more »
Greater Manchester Mayor Gets Green Light for Vocational BaccalaureateAndy Burnham has received approval for his plan to create the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc), a program providing alternatives to university for teenagers interested in vocational fields like construction and the creative industry. The program aims to offer clear pathways and choices for 14-year-olds choosing GCSEs. While the Department of Education initially expressed concerns about narrowing opportunities, the new Labour government, under Angela Rayner, has pledged to strengthen the mayor's role in technical education and skills development.
Read more »
English National Opera unveils first plans for Greater Manchester launch“We could not be more clear that Greater Manchester is the right place to put down roots”
Read more »