The Licensing Committee of Breckland Council convened on Wednesday, 12 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the delegation of authority under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, the review of licensing fees and charges for 2024-2025, and an update on the performance and activities of the Licensing Team. Key decisions were made regarding the delegation of authority to specific officers and the adjustment of licensing fees to ensure full cost recovery.

Zoo Licensing Act 1981

Sarah Wolstenholme-Smy, the Legal Services Manager, presented a report seeking approval to delegate authority to specific officers for activities related to the Zoo Licensing Act 1981. The Act mandates inspections and licensing of all zoos in the UK, with licences running for four years and renewals for six years. The Committee approved the delegation of authority to the officers listed in section 2.2 of the report, including the Assistant Director Health and Housing, Environmental Health and Licensing Manager, and others. Councillor Helen Crane inquired about the conditions imposed by the legislation, to which Craig Fowler, the Environmental Health & Licensing Manager, explained that while there are standard conditions, additional ones could be recommended by a state veterinary inspector from DEFRA.

There were some standard conditions but as part of the inspection process a state veterinary inspector would have to be appointed from DEFRA who could recommend that additional conditions be imposed. — Craig Fowler

Licensing Fees & Charges 2024-2025

The Executive Member for Waste, Environmental Health, Licensing & Sustainability introduced the Licensing Fees & Charges report, emphasizing the importance of full cost recovery. Councillor Linda Monument noted a significant increase in the animals for exhibition application fee and questioned whether the process had changed or if the Council had been undercharging. The Environmental Health & Licensing Manager clarified that the fee had been undercharged and that the increase was warranted due to the amount of officer time required. The report was noted without further amendments.

Licensing Committee Update

Craig Fowler provided an update on the performance and activities of the Licensing Team. The team met its target of issuing 90% of taxi licences within a set timescale for all three quarters. Additionally, the number of enforcement checks exceeded the quarterly target of 20. The Council had transitioned to a third-party provider for Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks after losing its organisational registration, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition to a digital service. The Chairman, Councillor Marion Chapman-Allen, and Vice-Chairman, Councillor Tina Kiddell, praised the Licensing Team for their excellent performance and ongoing efforts, including the organisation of the Norfolk Animal Licensing Officers Group meeting.

The Licensing Team continued to organise, chair and host the Norfolk Animal Licensing Officers Group meeting which had been and continued to be a great success. — Councillor Marion Chapman-Allen

The next meeting of the Licensing Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, 12 June 2024, at 10:00 am in the Anglia Room.