Below is a copy of Shaun Woodward’s response:
“I wrote to Sir Les Elton in July about implementing the recommendations in the Licensing Fees Review Panel’s interim report.
As part of the initial review of Statutory Guidance to licensing authorities, we have already clarified the position on premises plans.
We have also clarified the position for licensing authorities on the development of collective working practices and are exploring good practice in this area for wider dissemination.
A central source of information for licence payers about what the Licensing Act 2003 means for them will be completed later in the autumn.
We have considered the possibility of simplifying the application process by introducing alternative methods of advertising applications and will in, due course, consult on options when we consider any other amendments to the Regulations.
We have also agreed in principle to the Panel’s recommendation for a single date for payment of the annual fee but we are considering the technical aspects such as transitional arrangements and the options for which date to adopt. Licence holders will be given notice before new arrangements are brought in and we have been clear that, in the meantime, they should continue to pay their annual fee as the current law requires."
