Licensing
LGA warning over XL Bully dogs ban
Councils face a double whammy of soaring costs and declining police support as they try to enforce a ban on XL Bully dogs.
Minister urges councils to 'co-locate' planning and licensing
Councils have been urged to “co-locate” planning and licensing teams under plans to improve local decision-making and kick-start struggling night-time economies.
Coroner's deadline for council after Rottweiler mauling
A licensing team has been given until 13 November to respond after being urged to take a ‘more proactive approach’ following a fatal dog attack.
Bold action is needed to avoid widespread financial meltdown
While some cases of council failure point to poor decision-making or weak internal control, many councils would have been able to avoid the tipping point if Government funding had not been cut significantly since 2011, says Ian Miller.
Protecting the welfare of asylum seekers in Great Yarmouth
The Home Office, with no advance notice and no funding, has left local authorities and health services scrambling to provide support for asylum seekers placed in local areas, says Sheila Oxtoby.
Council announces ‘largest’ selective licensing scheme in UK
Birmingham City Council has been granted permission to introduce a selective licensing scheme for all private rented properties in 25 wards across the city.
Cooking up a late storm
It was no ‘half-baked’ plan, but it failed because the promise of ‘jam tomorrow’ was not enough to make Westminster Council ‘roll’ over.
Peers highlight lack of progress improving 'flawed' Act
Little progress has been made in addressing the lack of coordination between the licensing and planning systems, a House of Lords committee has reported.
Leaders call for more event licensing powers
Councils should have the power to determine event licensing fees to ensure they fully cover the associated administrative costs, the Local Government Association has said.
Councils ask for coronavirus licensing powers
A call has been made for public health issues to be incorporated into licensing laws.
Short-term thinking
Ahead of the impending introduction of new licensing powers for short-term lets in Scotland, Stephen McGowan says the Scottish Government needs to give full attention to the impact the regulations will pose to already-struggling local authorities.
Manchester to implement Martyn’s Law
Manchester City Council is to implement Martyn’s Law to improve security at all public venues.
Wakefield council ‘overcharging’ cabbies, court rules
A court has ruled that Wakefield council were overcharging local taxi drivers for a license to trade in what could prove to be a landmark case.
Outdated taxi laws putting public at risk, councils warn
Whitehall has been urged to reform 'outdated and flawed' taxi laws by the Local Government Association (LGA) after the number of licensed drivers and vehicles hit a record high.
A new lease of Life
For anyone looking to make a trip to the cinema this weekend, Diary can heartily recommend Monty Python’s Life of Brian.
Whitehall launches consultation on taxi licensing
Local authorities could soon be required to ensure that every prospective taxi driver undergoes enhanced criminal record and background checks.
News you can swear by
Back when Diary was a cub journo, local licensing committees were considered the most unspectacular of the council committees hacks would be sent along to.
District councils are at the forefront of public protection
Paul Shevlin discusses Craven DC's revised taxi licensing policy, which has prevention at its heart.
Taxi law change demanded
Calls have been made for the Government to update taxi laws, some of which date back 170 years.
Follow Wolves’ lead when it comes to protecting residents
Cllr Alan Bolshaw kicks back at criticisms of Wolverhampton City Council's controversial approach to taxi licensing.