Redditch Borough Council is responsible for issuing licences in respect of drivers of hackney carriage (taxi) and private hire vehicles.
In July 2020, with a view to better protecting children, females and vulnerable adults, the Department for Transport (DFT) issued new statutory guidance to taxi and private hire licensing authorities, called the “Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Standards”.
Following its publication the Council reviewed its own Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy, and in doing so introduced mandatory safeguarding awareness training for all new licence holders.
Having further reviewed the above and in an effort to increase public safety, the Council is now considering introducing a requirement that all licensed drivers have to undertake refresher training in relation to safeguarding awareness before renewing their licences, which they have to do at least every three years.
It is proposed that this requirement would be introduced from 1st July 2025 and that drivers applying to renew their licences after that date will need to undertake a safeguarding awareness training to refresh their knowledge before their licence could be renewed.
The Council would now like to hear your views on this proposal:
The closing date of this consultation is Friday 17th January 2025.