*What can Oldham do to improve their taxi licensing processes or policies?*

To improve taxi licensing in Oldham, the council should:

• Simplify and speed up the application process.
• Reduce licensing fees where possible.
• Shorten MOT waiting times by outsourcing tests to certified local garages.
• Eliminate fees for MOT retests within a reasonable timeframe.

These changes would make the process more efficient and affordable for drivers.

*Why did you answer Renew with the same local authority / local authorities?*

Licensing with your local authority, such as Oldham Council, ensures compliance with area-specific regulations, provides direct support, and contributes to maintaining high safety and service standards within the community.

*Passengers who live in Oldham would prefer to use a vehicle licensed in Greater Manchester.*

Passengers prefer taxis licensed within Greater Manchester because they meet local safety standards, are regularly inspected, and are overseen by local authorities, ensuring a safer and more reliable service.

*What could Oldham local authority do differently to encourage people to licence with them?*

Oldham Council can encourage drivers to license with them by simplifying the application process, reducing fees, minimizing MOT wait times, and allowing drivers to work across multiple platforms.

*Please give any further comments on a regional approach in issuing licences below*

If Greater Manchester adopts a regional taxi licence across all ten councils, it would provide drivers with consistent standards and broader working areas, while passengers would benefit from improved safety, reliability, and service quality across the region.