Written question asked by Malcolm Moss (Conservative) on Wednesday, 1 February 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 February 2006. It was answered by James Purnell (Labour) on Monday, 13 February 2006 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Licensing

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether she has received (a) complaints and (b) representations from (i) local authorities and (ii) sports and leisure bodies about the level of licence fees under the Licensing Act 2003.

Answer: We have received differing views from local authorities and sports and leisure bodies about the level of licensing fees under the Licensing Act 2003.In order to consider these and other representations, I have put in place an Independent Licensing Fees Review Panel whose remit is to assess how well the existing arrangements are working. Sir Les Elton chairs the Panel, which includes representatives from local government. The Panel's interim findings were published on 5 December. Among other matters, the Panel found that there was insufficient information available to conclude whether or not fees had been set at the right level.The Panel's final report will be delivered in the autumn, although Sir Les has been asked to focus as a priority on local authority licensing fee income and costs, and if possible report back earlier. I have given an undertaking that the fees regime will meet the full costs of local authorities in carrying out their legitimate responsibilities efficiently under the 2003 Licensing Act, within a national system.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 49374; 442 c1520-1W;442 c1520-1W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Fees and charges Leisure Licensing Governing bodies Licensed premises Local government Licensing laws Sports
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk