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Agenda item

ANNUAL LICENSING REPORT 2025/2026

REPORT OF THE LICENSING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY MANAGER

 

The purpose of this report is to provide the Licensing and Regulation Committee with a summary of the work undertaken by the licensing service over the previous twelve months, an update on existing projects and an overview of future proposals. 

Decision:

RESOLVED: That the Committee:

 

(1)   Reviewed the Annual Report and its content.

 

(2)   Noted the Annual Report.

 

 

REASON FOR DECISIONS: Section 8.2.3 of the Council Constitution requires the Full Committee to meet at least once per civic year, and section 8.2.3 (d) requires the Committee to receive an annual report on licensing activities including performance information.

Minutes:

Audio recording – 03 minutes 12 seconds

 

The Licensing and Community Safety Manager presented the report entitled ‘Annual Licensing Report 2025/26’ and advised that:

 

·        The Licensing Team currently consisted of four staff members, with recruitment underway to fill a vacant post.

·        Licensing applications had reduced by approximately 17-18% compared to the previous reporting period, primarily due to a reduction in Hackney Carriage and Private Hire applications. However, the number of licences in force had remained broadly stable.

·        Applications relating to skin piercing had increased by approximately 102%, whilst gambling applications had increased by approximately 23.5%.

·        Animal licensing applications had reduced due to the cyclical nature of licensing renewals.

·        Responsibility for Houses in Multiple Occupation licensing had transferred to the Housing Team.

·        Inspection activity had remained high, with 223 inspections undertaken during the reporting period.

·        Service requests continued to demonstrate positive engagement with businesses seeking advice before submitting applications.

·        Work on the digital channel shift project continued, with meetings taking place with software providers to improve online application processes and reduce manual administrative work.

·        The Public Licensing Register had successfully gone live, and further digital enhancements were being explored.

·        The Women and Girls Safety Charter had been successfully launched, and work was underway to review and streamline the assessment process.

·        Three officers had successfully obtained qualifications as Animal Welfare Inspectors.

·        Opportunities to provide animal welfare inspection services to other authorities and generate income were being explored.

·        Work was also being undertaken to consider opportunities for chargeable advice services where appropriate.

·        National regulatory changes concerning skin piercing activities and cosmetic procedures continued to be monitored.

·        New regulations relating to primate licensing had come into force, however no applications had been received within the district.

·        Preparations were underway for implementations of the Protect Duty also known as, Martyn’s Law, which would introduce terrorism preparedness requirements for qualifying premises and events.

 

The following members asked questions:

 

·        Councillor Ian Albert

·        Councillor Bryony May

·        Councillor Alistair Willoughby

·        Councillor Daniel Allen

·        Councillor Dave Winstanley

 

In response to questions, the Licensing and Community Safety Manager advised that:

 

·        Information regarding Houses in Multiple Occupation inspections could be discussed with the relevant Housing Team manager to identify appropriate reporting arrangements.

·        Licensing policies could be reviewed at any time, and Members were encouraged to raise any areas they wished to be considered.

·        Amendments could be explored to ensure Members were notified of applications for Street Trading Consent in their Ward.

·        The increasing use of Artificial Intelligence was contributing to more complex Freedom of Information requests and service enquiries, requiring additional officer time to assess and respond appropriately.

·        Future inspections of scrap metal dealers would be undertaken, including opportunities for joint working with partner agencies where appropriate.

·        Work was underway to further develop and promote the Women and Girls Safety Charter across the district.

·        The Safety Advisory Groups (SAGS) continued to work with organisers of major events to review safety arrangements, transport plans and crowd management measures.

·        Recommendations from SAGS were considered through event management planning and licence conditions where appropriate.

·        Licensed premises participating in the Women and Girls Safety Charter could benefit from additional support, guidance and resources as the scheme developed.

 

As part of the debate Councillor Daniel Allen commented positively on feedback received from businesses operating within the night-time economy regarding the Licensing Service.

 

Councillor Dave Winstanley, as Chair, proposed and Councillor Amy Allen seconded and, following a vote, it was:

 

RESOLVED: That the Committee:

 

(1)   Reviewed the Annual Report and its content.

 

(2)   Noted the Annual Report.

 

REASON FOR DECISIONS: Section 8.2.3 of the Council Constitution requires the Full Committee to meet at least once per civic year, and section 8.2.3 (d) requires the Committee to receive an annual report on licensing activities including performance information.

Supporting documents: