Rotherham Council will be given back control of taxi services, although commissioners will oversee licensing decisions until 31 March 2019, the communities secretary has said.
Sajid Javid said the council had made sufficient improvements for it to take back licensing functions, but the ‘phased approach’ would protect the area’s most vulnerable residents.
‘I’ve seen for myself how Rotherham councillors have made progress over the past year. It is now appropriate for them to take back control over licensing,’ said Mr Javid.
‘However, keeping people in the borough safe is a priority for this government. This is why I’ve asked the commissioners to continue to keep a watchful eye over the decisions that are taken.
‘I consider this phased approach to be the best way to return powers to elected councillors as soon as is practically possible, while at the same time ensuring that the failings of the past are not repeated.’
Taxi services have been improved at Rotherham Council since the five commissioners were appointed, including the fitting of cameras and audio recording in taxis and an enhanced ‘fit and proper person’ test for all drivers.
