22 November 2004

Council expresses concerns over Licensing

Sevenoaks District Council officially adopted its new licensing policy at the meeting of full Council on Tuesday 16 November. It will, however, continue to lobby Central Government to ensure that the cost of implementing and enforcing the new regime can be covered by the revenue raised by the new licences, the cost of which will be set nationally.

The Government has published draft licensing fees and is consulting with Councils for their views on them. The prices will be finalised early in the new year. However, the Council is concerned that the cost of the licenses will not cover the costs of issuing and enforcing them. The Government is not making funding available to local authorities and expects the scheme to be self-financing.

Cllr Keith Loney, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Licensing, says: "We have certain concerns as we have projected that the fees will not cover the cost of the services and any difference would have to be made up by local Council Tax payers. Whilst it is vital that local businesses are not burdened by licenses that are too expensive, the scheme was devised by the Government as one that would be self-financing and we receive no funding to help provide the service. The cost of enforcing the licenses will be substantial and we fear that the costs will outweigh the revenue coming in. With this in mind, I will be writing to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport explaining our situation and informing them of our concerns. "

The licensing policy, which is due to come into effect on Monday 7 February, was produced following extensive consultation with existing licence-holders, businesses, residents, community groups and the emergency services.

It is based on the four objectives:

- Prevention of crime and disorder

- Promotion of public safety

- Prevention of public nuisance

- Protection of children from harm

Cllr Loney adds: "We are very happy that the Licensing Policy has been officially adopted by the Council. It has been put together following a long consultation period with local residents and businesses and a whole range of other organisations and we are confident that it broadly reflects the needs and requirements of the District."