Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, for what reason the Government has not yet introduced mandatory disability awareness training for taxi drivers through new national minimum standards for licensing authorities; and what his planned timetable is for all taxi drivers to have completed that training.

Effective disability awareness training can help ensure drivers have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide passengers with appropriate assistance, helping them to travel independently.

Taxi and private hire vehicle licensing is a devolved matter in all UK nations. The Department for Transport remains committed to introducing mandatory disability awareness training for taxi and PHV drivers in England through new National Minimum Standards for licensing authorities when Parliamentary time allows. We continue to work through the normal government channels to identify a suitable legislative vehicle and sufficient Parliamentary time to take forward this important measure.

In the meantime, we will publish a consultation on updated best practice guidance for local licensing authorities in England later in the year, including a stronger recommendation that every driver is required to complete disability awareness training.