In June 2025 Baroness Casey of Blackstock DBE CB published her National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. Chapter 7 of the Audit covered taxi licensing.
Key findings included:
• As a key part of the night-time economy, taxis have historically been identified as a way children can be at risk of sexual exploitation.
• Local authorities issue taxi licences in line with statutory guidance issued by the government. Some go above and beyond this statutory guidance as a means of combating child sexual exploitation but they are being hindered by a lack of stringency in other local authorities, and legal loopholes which mean drivers can apply for a licence anywhere in the country.
• Proper safeguards in the licensing of taxis is as much about protecting the drivers as the passengers.
• The Department for Transport should close this loophole immediately and introduce more rigorous standards.
The Government's Transport select committee therefore called for evidence.