Executive Portfolio:
Community Safety
Decision Number:
0126 2019/20
Exempt / Confidential Item:
No
Declarations of Interest Received:
None
Title:
Licensing Fees and Charges 2020-21
Summary of Decision:
To make no changes to the current fees for Licence fees for the period 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021
Proposed Decision:
As above
Summary of Reason for Decision:
Ability to operate business as usual , particularly taxis during the COVID19 pandemic.
Reason for Decision:
The fees for Licensing differ dependent on the specific area of licensing. Fees relating to the Licensing Act 2003 are set by central government and have not changed since the act was introduced. Similarly fees for services under the Gambling Act 2005 do not change as these were originally set within the Government banding system.
Any changes to taxi licensing fees are subject to a standard 28 day trade consultation. It is considered that this would be difficult to administer during the current lockdown and likely impossible to hold a meaningful consultation. Due to the level of the fees currently set, it is not envisaged that there would have been significant changes.
For the other areas of licensing, scrap metal, marriage venues, sex establishments etc, it is also not envisaged that these would be subject to significant increase as they are already set at a reasonable market level.
It is anticipated that the COVID19 crisis will have a significant impact on many areas following the easing of lockdown measures. At this time, there is no conclusion to the lockdown the country faces and it is expected that when restrictions are lifted licensed business and persons may find it difficult to restore their earnng levels. To enable these areas to return to trade as soon as they are able, it is proposed to set up and offer payment plans (in most cases, for the period of the licence) to enable the licence holders to operate their business with a reduced initial outlay. Although this option hasn't been used for licence payments previously, the difficult times we are now living through has brought this option to the table.
Discussions around the practicalities of this operation have been discussed with the Business Support Manager, Principal Solicitor and Income Manager and an accompanying guidance document is being drawn up to support this process.
Risks Associated with this Decision:
The risk is that licence holders may not take out renewal licences but is it anticipated that the risk of this happening is low as they will need the licences to earn their income and a licence is a legal requirement.
Measures to Redress Risk:
Payment options will be in place.
Anti Poverty / Human Rights / Agenda 21 Implications:
na
Attachments:
Please Contact Lorraine Simpson - Ext 5349 for more details.