Lewis Atkinson, Labour MP for Sunderland Central, used Transport questions on Thursday 29 October 2026 to ask for enforcement powers and resources for councils such as Sunderland, so they can regulate every vehicle operating in the area, whatever the place of registration. Simon Lightwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, replied that officials are working hard to commence powers from the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 that will let enforcement officers suspend any licence used in their area if there are immediate safety concerns. Topical questions
The exchange
Atkinson's question was this: "As the Government prepare their taxi and private hire vehicle Bill, will the Minister ensure that local authorities such as Sunderland have the enforcement powers and resources that they need to regulate all vehicles operating in their area, regardless of where those vehicles are registered?"
Lightwood's answer was this: "I fully recognise my hon. Friend's concerns. Taxis and private hire vehicles are regulated through an outdated and fragmented framework, and this Government intend to bring forward a draft Bill to address that. My officials are also working hard to commence the powers from the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 that will let enforcement officers suspend any licence used in their area if there are immediate safety concerns."
Still open
The reply gives no date for the powers. It does not mention extra staff or money for Sunderland, or for any other council, although the question asked for resources as well as powers. The text is the rolling Hansard record and is subject to correction.