The Pet Industry Federation is calling for greater consistency and transparency in the way local authorities calculate Animal Activity Licence fees in England.

A new PIF review, based on Freedom of Information requests to local authorities, found significant differences in the way councils calculate fees under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

While councils generally seek to recover the costs of running the licensing system, the review found different approaches to officer time, overheads, compliance work, enforcement and the treatment of historic deficits.

Some authorities supplied detailed calculations showing exactly how fees were built up. Others provided considerably less information behind the amounts businesses are required to pay.

Nigel Baker, PIF Chief Execitive, said: "The issue is not simply that one council charges more than another. Local costs will inevitably vary.

"The important question is whether businesses can see how their licence fee has been calculated and whether councils can demonstrate that charges are reasonable, proportionate and based on genuine costs.

"Our research shows that greater consistency and transparency would benefit both local authorities and the businesses they regulate."

PIF recommends a clearer national fee-setting framework, greater publication of the calculations behind licence fees, clearer treatment of surpluses and deficits; and more consistent separation of application, compliance and enforcement costs.

Baker added: "We are not calling for a single national licence fee. We are calling for a consistent way of calculating those fees so businesses understand what they are paying for."

PIF will use the findings to support discussions with DEFRA, the Local Government Association and local authorities about improving the operation of the licensing system.

For a full copy of the report, email info@petfederation.co.uk