Briefings and responses

It is crucial that these regulations come into effect ahead of summer parliamentary recess, which will provide councils with additional time to consider applications for licences extending beyond September 2021.

The LGA welcomed the appointment of a House of Lords Select Committee to investigate the effectiveness of the Licensing Act 2003 and the insight that the Committee’s work has provided in a number of areas.

We have long-called for the existing outdated taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing laws to be updated and strengthened.

Many councils have concerns about the impact of clustering of betting shops on their areas, as well as the associated numbers of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs).

We are calling for the Government to deliver on its commitment to hold a triennial review of machine stakes.

This briefing aims to provide useful advice for any councils becoming unitary authorities and shares an overview of lessons learnt from a number of councils who have brought regulatory services together during this process.

This response is focused solely on the key strategic challenge facing trading standards as a local government service.

Key messages  

The LGA welcomes this Bill which would make it easier for licensing authorities to access vital background information about drivers seeking a licence in their areas

Currently, pedicabs are exempt from the regulations which cover taxis and private hire vehicles. They do not need a licence to operate, are able to set their own prices and are not subject to checks on the safety and ability of their drivers, or the road worthiness of their vehicles. Councils have been made aware of various issues involving pedicabs, including unsafe driving, noise nuisance and pavement parking.