Local authority seeks views ahead of proposed fee structure reform
ABERDEENSHIRE Council has opened a consultation seeking views on a proposed fee structure for a variety of civic licences, including public entertainment licences.
The council, which is under a legal requirement to make sure fees charged cover the cost of running the licensing service, is considering a restructure as it claims the service is currently running at a loss.
Changes could include an increase in the fee for a public entertainment licence, which can be required for a range of activities including events featuring amplified music, ceilidhs and firework displays.
Aberdeenshire Council is seeking views from businesses, community groups and members of the public through an online survey which can be accessed via the local authority’s website.
Respondents have until January 23 to share their views.
Councillor Richard Cowling, licensing sub-committee chair, said that while many licences are “relatively straight forward to process” more detailed applications “involve a great deal of work and consultation with different partners”.
“There has been no increase to the fees for many years and, in some cases, the cost of processing a licence is now more than four times as much as the fee charged,” said Cowling.
“The proposed fees are closely based on the actual cost for processing each type of licence but there may be some flexibility around the proposed increases. With that in mind, it’s important we gather the views of as many people as possible before the proposals are considered.”
