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The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 - Setting of Licence Fees

Minutes:

The Licensing Manager was invited by the Chair to present the report to the Committee. The Licensing Manager explained the purpose of the report and the history of animal welfare licensing in the Borough and the reasons for the changes in Animal Welfare licensing introduced by the Regulations. The new regulations came into force on 1 October 2018 under the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

 

The Licensing manager then addressed Members on the proposed recommendations as set out in Section 1 of the Report. By specific reference to Appendix 1, the Licensing Manager explained, as set out in the report, the rationale for the manner in which the proposed fees had been calculated and the basis of those proposed fees. A number of permutations were explained as well, including where unannounced visits were required, when a veterinary surgeon was required to attend an inspection of a premises and when an animal welfare officer could undertake the visit. Members were also referred to Appendix 2 which set out, in table form, the proposed fees for Members’ consideration.

 

Current animal welfare licenses expire on 31 December 2018 and the proposed new fees, if agreed by Members, would apply to any renewals and new licenses under the Animal Welfare Regulations 2018.

 

The Committee also heard that a Star Rating System would be implemented for issuing licences and determining the length of time a licence could be held. This created an incentive for premises to have high quality standards because a high rating would enable the Council to grant them a licence for a longer period of time than a low rating would.

 

Members were advised of the contractual relationship between the Council and the City of London Corporation Veterinary Service for the provision of certain animal welfare related services so that inspections required under the regulations would be carried out by their qualified animal health inspectors or veterinary surgeons depending on the nature of the animal welfare licensable activities under consideration.

 

The Chair invited members’ questions on the report and presentation.

 

The Committee heard that premises currently licensed under the old Animal Welfare legislation were paying fees under the licences they held, however the proposed fees in the report would be an increase on those former fees. It was noted that those operators who achieve the highest star rating because of their compliance with higher animal welfare standards will be paying the same fee for a three year licence as those with a lower star rating may be paying for a one or two year licence and it was hoped that this would prove an incentive to achieve higher animal welfare standards.

 

A request was made by the Committee for periodical updates on activity relating to the new Regulations, specifically with regard to the number of appeals that may be lodged. The Licensing Manager advised that information would be provided to committee as requested.

 

Councillor Niroshan Sirisena arrived at the meeting at 6.52pm, extended his apologies for lateness due to issues with public transport and did not vote in relation to the matter under consideration.

 

The Committee RESOLVED to agree the recommendations in section 1 of the report and the setting of Licence fees under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

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