Decision details

Members considered a report which sought Members’ approval to increase the licensing fees and charges for the issuing and renewal of licenses, consents, and permits issued by the Licensing Team with effect from 1 April 2026.

Members were updated that a review had been carried out to ensure that the fees covered the costs of administration, monitoring and enforcement, which was in line with the principle of cost recovery, and the Council’s Medium Term Financial Review strategy.

It was noted that the Council could not lawfully set a rate for fees which would generate a financial surplus or profit to support other council services. It was noted that statutory fees under the Licensing Act 2003 and the Gambling Act 2005 remained unchanged as these were set nationally, however locally set fees such as taxi licensing and other regulatory functions would be increased to account for inflation and an increase to operational costs. Most costs had been updated by the inflation figure of 3.8%, however some fees which had not been reviewed since Cheshire East Council was formed in 2009, had been increased at a higher rate.

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

That the Licensing Committee:

1.          Resolve that the fees set out in appendix 1 are approved.

2.          Authorise the Licensing Team Leader to publish the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing fees in accordance with the relevant legislative provisions.

3.          Delegate authority to the Head of Regulatory Services to consider any objections received and determine the final fees payable.