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03/08/2011
Smoother Ride For Care Workers Minicab Laws
Volunteers, childminders and care workers should be freed from the unnecessary and costly process of being licensed as minicabs following guidance published by Transport Minister Norman Baker today.
Changes to the minicab licensing laws in 2006 mean that some councils have been classing people like childminders - who drive children to and from school in their own vehicles, and care workers - who assist elderly people in their homes, as minicab drivers. The new guidance makes it clearer which vehicles the Government believes need minicab licences - and those that do not, removing the burden on Local Authorities of licensing vehicles unnecessarily.
Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “'Dad’s Taxi’ is often a joke in many families, but we don’t need councils perpetuating the myth!
“Clearly parents helping out at a play group, or carers getting people to the doctor are not minicab drivers. I hope that by publishing this new guidance today these people will be able to get on with their vital activities, without the hassle or cost of getting a minicab licence.
“Councils will also benefit by cutting out unnecessary paperwork which wastes valuable time and money. This is good, common-sense Government.”
The guidance is another important action from the Government’s Plan for Growth, published alongside the Budget in March, aimed at boosting the vital contribution to the economy from the social care system.
(BMcN/GK)
Changes to the minicab licensing laws in 2006 mean that some councils have been classing people like childminders - who drive children to and from school in their own vehicles, and care workers - who assist elderly people in their homes, as minicab drivers. The new guidance makes it clearer which vehicles the Government believes need minicab licences - and those that do not, removing the burden on Local Authorities of licensing vehicles unnecessarily.
Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “'Dad’s Taxi’ is often a joke in many families, but we don’t need councils perpetuating the myth!
“Clearly parents helping out at a play group, or carers getting people to the doctor are not minicab drivers. I hope that by publishing this new guidance today these people will be able to get on with their vital activities, without the hassle or cost of getting a minicab licence.
“Councils will also benefit by cutting out unnecessary paperwork which wastes valuable time and money. This is good, common-sense Government.”
The guidance is another important action from the Government’s Plan for Growth, published alongside the Budget in March, aimed at boosting the vital contribution to the economy from the social care system.
(BMcN/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Low cloud, mist or fog at first will clear through the morning to leave a dry day with some prolonged sunny spells through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 21 °C.Tonight:Dry with clear spells for most places through the evening and overnight will allow the odd mist or fog patch to form. Coastal low cloud spreads into northern counties. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
