WIREDGOV

Plans to relax taxi laws could put children at greater risk of sexual exploitation, councils are warning.  Currently, anyone using a minicab can travel safe in the knowledge that the only person legally allowed to drive the car will have been through a rigorous council vetting process, including criminal records and medical history checks.

New Government proposals within the Deregulation Bill, set to return to the House of Lords next month, will mean minicab licence holders will be able to allow other people to drive their vehicle when they are off-duty without any of those checks being carried out.

• LGA:  Vulnerable children at risk from taxi licensing reforms