Licensing and Enforcement Committee backs 6% rise in street trading fees for consultation

The Licensing and Enforcement Committee voted to publish proposed increases to street trading fees for a 28‑day public consultation, with changes set to take effect on Aug. 1 if no objections are received, the chair said.

The licensing team leader told members fees must be set to recover the costs of consulting, administration and issuing consents and “cannot generate a profit to cross subsidize other areas of licensing or the council.” She said a review of finances delayed by a December 2021 cyber attack showed current fees were insufficient and “the forecast for income against expenditure is showing an increase of 6% for 2026–2027” would be required to be cost neutral.

Members questioned practical implications for buskers and application counts. Councillor Watley asked how many busking licences are issued and whether buskers know they should have one; the licensing team leader said licences apply where a busker sells CDs or other items and that “we don't get many” applications. Linda asked whether the busking fee is charged per session or per year; the licensing team leader clarified busking fees are likely per session while other trader fees (for trading more than four days) are set annually. Members noted the draft appendix shows the proposed fee changes, including a move from £5 to £6 for the busking fee as presented in the report.

The chair asked if members were happy to accept officers’ recommendation to approve the proposed street trading fees and charges shown in appendix one for the 28‑day public consultation; the motion was carried by a show of hands. Officers said that if objections are received during the consultation they will be brought to the committee in September for consideration; otherwise the increases would come into effect from Aug. 1.

The committee moved on to other business; the consultation and any objections will determine whether the increases are implemented.