South Norfolk agrees fee increase for zoos, dog breeders

South Norfolk Council (SNC) has agreed to raise how much it charges a variety of businesses which require licences - such as dog breeders, tattoo parlours and taxi drivers.   

Both SNC and its sister council in Broadland agreed to the increases in principle in July, but the former asked for more detailed final costs to be brought back to the authority. 

This would see inflationary costs added which are then rounded down to the nearest £5. 

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The biggest increase is an application for a zoo licence. 

In July, SNC officials said the cost would rise from £73 to £1,145, but with inflation and rounding the final figure will be £1,245. 

However, the SNC authority area does not have any zoos. 

Other big fee increases in South Norfolk:   

• Breeding of dogs application will rise from £101 to £395   
• One-year taxi vehicle licence from £132 to £260 
• Private hire limousine per vehicle for one year from £127 to £255 
• Riding establishment (plus veterinary costs) application fee from £109 to £390 
• Home boarding/dog daycare application from £92 to £315 
• Dangerous wild animals (plus veterinary costs) from £115 to £390 
• Animal exhibition application fee from £92 to £295 
• Animal boarding will rise from £101 to £315 
• Pet shop licence application will rise from £101 to £310 

The revised Licensing Fees and Charges will come into effect from April next year. 

Keith Kiddie, cabinet member at South Norfolk Council (Image: Newsquest)

Keith Kiddie, cabinet member for the environment, said the increase was to help cover the authority’s costs and it was not a case of making a profit. 

“We have looked at all the charges and some simply didn’t meet the current requirements, especially when dealing with animals.” 

Councillors unanimously approved the increase at a meeting on Monday.