Independent Fees Review
The Licensing Act 2003 Fees Regulations came into force in February 2005. Ministers agreed to ensure from the outset that the licensing fees are set at the right level for businesses, community groups and for local authorities. An Independent Fees Review Panel has been set up for that purpose. This is an important piece of work which is of keen interest to all stakeholders affected by the new Licensing laws.
The Independent Panel will :
- consider whether the fees cover the full cost to licensing authorities;
- identify the scale, extent and nature of any problems encountered by licensees/licence payers and licensing authorities;
- make recommendations about how the existing fee structure and levels could be developed; and
- ensure best practice is being fully realised across all authorities
The Independent Panel brings together the knowledge and experience needed to ensure licensing fees are set at the right level across the board – from businesses, to community facility providers to local authorities. Sir Leslie Elton has been appointed to chair the Independent Panel. The remaining members of the Panel have been drawn from a wide cross section of stakeholders representing interests from the trade and leisure industries, rural community groups and local authorities.
On 5th December 2005, the Government published the Independent Licensing Fees Review Interim Report. This concentrates on the transitional period and signals the focus for the next phase of the review:
Independant Licensing Fees Review - Interim Report (PDF 209K)
Independant Licensing Fees Review - Interim Report (Word 280kb).
Interim Review - List of Stakeholders (PDF 44kb)
To use the Word version of the report, right-mouse button over the relevant application form link and choose ' Save Target As...' , you'll then be able to save the application form in the appropriate place on your computer and complete the form offline at your leisure.
This interim report will be followed up by a full review of the fee levels and whether they are at the right level to cover the legitimate costs of the regime. A final report, detailing findings and where appropriate making recommendations, is due to be completed about a year following the 2nd Appointed Day, in autumn 2006.
Independent Fees Review Panel Meetings
Independent Fees Review Panel Meeting - 23 March 2006 (PDF 43kb)
Independent Fees Review Panel Meeting - 23 February 2006 (PDF 48kb)
Independent Fees Review Panel Meeting - 23 January 2006 (PDF 62kb)
Independent Fees Review Panel Meeting - 3 August 2005 (PDF 54kb)
Independent Fees Review Panel Meeting - 23 September 2005 (PDF 68kb)
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