Cabbies will be quizzed over any 'sexual exploitation links'

In an attempt to curb the level of child sex abuse reported in Staffordshire, anyone applying for a taxi driver's licence in Cannock Chase will need to tell the district council about their past and any links to the trade in people.

They will be asked whether they have been questioned, interviewed or arrested 'for any offence connected to sexual exploitation or human trafficking'.

Figures released in March showed Staffordshire was the county with the second highest number of child sex offences reported to police in 2015 in England and Wales. Only Greater Manchester had more.

Across England and Wales, the number of sex complaints soared by a third, to 41,457 in 2014-15 compared to 31,238 the year before.

There were 1,055 sex abuse allegations made in Staffordshire in that time – but only 173 led to charges.

Cannock Chase council officers have warned that an attempt to ensure drivers undertake training might be 'immediately' legally challenged by unhappy drivers and taxi firms.

As part of the training, safeguarding, child sex exploitation and preventing terrorism would be covered.

Other drivers would need to undertake training 'specific to their individual needs', such as anger management, handling conflict and aggression and customer service, the report said.

Councillors will be asked to approve the proposals at a meeting in Cannock tomorrow.

There are currently 311 drivers with a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver's licence, 246 Hackney Carriage licences, 14 private hire vehicles and six private hire operators in the Cannock Chase district licensed by the authority.