Issue - meetings

The Cabinet is requested to consider the agenda report and its appendix and make the following recommendation:

That Cabinet recommends the revised Animal Licensing fees and charges for 2020 as set out in the appendix to this report, for consideration by the General Licensing Committee.

RECOMMENDATION TO THE GENERAL LICENSING COMMITTEE

That the revised Animal Licensing fees and charges for 2020 as set out in the appendix to this report be considered by the General Licensing Committee.

Mrs Plant introduced the report. She explained that changes to legislation in 2018 had resulted in an increase in licensing fees based on Defra guidance. At the time the fees were calculated on the predicted cost of running the service. Following a year of officers facilitating the process a revised set of fees have been created based on the reasonable cost of providing the service. The costs are designed to be neutral and do not seek to make a profit.

Mrs Taylor referenced dog day care centres and asked to what extent the council is able to ensure that as many individuals and organisations are covered by the legislation. Mr Horne confirmed that dog walking is not licensable. Mr Ballard added that the council liaises with the RSPCA and also carries out its own research to identify organisations that may require licensing. He explained that this has an implication on officer time and resources.

Mrs Graves requested clarification on how the various price changes had been calculated. With reference to the hire of horses/donkeys Mr Horne confirmed that officer time is not required for every visit as officers will seek advice following veterinary inspection of the health of the animals. Mr Ballard added that over the year there have been 25 new licences under this category most of which were compliant.

Mr Briscoe asked whether guide dog training and similar activities are subject to the charges. Mr Horne confirmed that guide dog training and similar activities are exempt.

Decision

The Cabinet then voted unanimously to make the recommendation below.

RECOMMENDATION TO THE GENERAL LICENSING COMMITTEE

That the revised Animal Licensing fees and charges for 2020 as set out in the appendix to this report be considered by the General Licensing Committee.