Posts by Admin

Today the Provision of Services (Amendment & Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026 come into effect.  It updates communication, and transparency, requirements on licensing authorities in England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland.

Today the ‘Right to Work Scheme‘ has been extended to include certain contractors, sub-contractors and gig economy workers. It requires businesses to conduct compliance checks on the immigration status, and thereby right to work, of those affected individuals (s.48 Border Security, Asylum & Immigration Act 2025 and Border Security, Asylum & Immigration Act 2025 (Commencement…

We are looking forward to attending the annual LPHCA Road Show at Heathrow next week.  It will be great to hear the views of some notable international speakers on key topics and to catch up with clients whilst making new trade contacts.     In particular, Travis Morley wishes to offer in advance our thanks…

Today the Department for Transport (DfT) has published its ‘Taxi & Private Hire Vehicle Statistics, England: 2026‘. These statistics cover licensed taxis, private hire vehicles, drivers and operators in England as at 1st April 2026. Such data can offer an invaluable overview of the national, and regional, status of the respective trades.

Here is our recent Journal of Licensing article covering the Government response to HM Treasury’s ‘VAT Treatment of Private Hire Vehicles Consultation‘. If you want to check how you are affected by the above issue, or any other Licensing or Contract Law matter, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Today the Department for Business & Trade confirmed the Provision of Services (Amendment & Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026 will come into force on 1st October 2026.  It aims to strengthen communication and transparency requirements on authorities in order to reduce the administrative burdens on business.  Guidance is expected for local and competent authorities in the…

The High Court last month granted permission for judicial review in R (Mugabo) v Transport for London [2026].  It seeks to challenge Transport for London over its alleged failures to issue private hire driver licences before expiry.  The delays resulting in, amongst others, licence-holders incurring financial loss. A full hearing is expected later this year.

Today the Home Office published the ‘Government Response to Phase 1 of the Southport Inquiry‘.  It offers the Government position on, and response to, 67 recommendations made by the Southport Inquiry.  This includes, as regards the regulated trade, mandatory training, a duty to report criminal activity and enforcement powers for failure to report (Recommendation 4). …

Today the Court of Appeal handed down its judgement in HM Revenue & Customs v Bolt Services UK Limited [2026] EWCA Civ 720.  It concerned an appeal by HMRC against earlier decisions that the Tour Operators’ Margin Scheme (TOMS) covered mobile ride hailing services supplied by Bolt. Lady Justice Falk, finding in favour of HMRC,…

Today the House of Commons’ (HC) Transport Committee published its ‘Raising the Standard: Licensing of Taxis & Private Hire Vehicles‘ Report.  It follows an earlier inquiry focussed on the effects of digital ride hailing platforms and cross-border activities.  In reaching certain conclusions, the Committee makes some 18 recommendations to Government for modernisation of the existing…

Today the Institute of Licensing (IoL) published a ‘Private Hire Passenger Contract Guidance Note‘.  This guidance, which was written by Neil Morley, presents a brief overview of widely reported legal developments surrounding this high-profile issue. It seeks to offer a useful reference point to applicants, licence-holders, licensing officers, councillors and legal professionals.  For the avoidance…

Today the Court of Appeal handed down its decision in R v OFM [2026] EWCA Crim 599 on the scope of “driving” under the Road Traffic Act 1988. It found standing outside a car and switching on the ignition constitutes “driving”. Seemingly, the act of starting an engine amounts to controlling a vehicle’s movement, even if…