Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department has taken to promote best practice amongst licensing authorities on the use of taxis and private hire vehicles by guide dog owners.

The Department has previously issued guidance to licensing authorities on the application of the law regarding the carriage of guide and assistance dogs in taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs), including their role in responding to allegations of non-compliance.

The Department is currently reviewing existing Best Practice Guidance on the licensing of taxis and PHVs, with a view to consulting stakeholders on a revised version in 2017. This will include strengthened recommendations relating to the training of drivers in disability awareness and equality.