Licence fees in Northumberland to rise due to cost of living pressures

Northumberland County Council officers said the move was necessary due to the cost of living crisis, which had seen energy and fuel bills increase as well as staff wages.

Members of the council’s licensing and regulatory committee were told the authority did not make any profit on licence fees, and the increases were needed simply to cover costs.

Head of public protection Phil Soderquest said: “We’re experiencing significant pressures within the local authority. Whilst we recognise the pressure on businesses, it is still appropriate to consider the current fees.

“The largest increase is for dangerous wild animals, which is quite simply due to the amount of work that has to be done. I accept it is a significant increase, but that is what the cost recovery is.”

The fees increasing from January 1 are:

Providing or arranging for the provision of boarding for cats and dogs – renewal application increasing from £225 to £248. New application cost increasing from £250 to £275 Providing day care for dogs – renewal application increasing from £225 to £248. New application cost increasing from £250 to £275 Dog breeding establishment – renewal application increasing from £225 to £248. New application cost increasing from £250 to £275 Hiring out horses – renewal application increasing from £225 to £248. New application cost increasing from £250 to £275 Selling animals as pets – renewal application increasing from £225 to £248. New application cost increasing from £250 to £275 Keeping or training animals for exhibition – both new application and renewal application increasing from £240 to £264. Animal Licensing further fees – re-inspection fee increasing from £75 to £83, additional host licence fee increasing from £80 to £88, additional licensing activity fee increasing from £229 to £252 Tattoo/Ear piercing – premises licence increasing from £90 to £99, personal licence increasing from £55 to £61 Scrap metal – site licence increasing from £650 to £715, mobile collector increasing from £500 to £550 Zoo licence – licence for one species increasing from £150 to £165, 2-5 species from £275 to £303, more than six species from £400 to £440 Dangerous wild animal act – initial licence increasing from £116 to £250