Council apology to zoo for licence cost error

2 days ago

Vanessa PearceWest Midlands

Will Dorrell, who runs Hoo Zoo, said the new proposed fees were more acceptable

BBC A man wearing a brown jacket stands in front of a yellow, green and red car with a brick wall and buildings behind him — Will Dorrell, who runs Hoo Zoo, said the new proposed fees were more acceptable

A council has apologised to a zoo owner after publishing figures showing his business could have been hit with a 118% rise in its licence renewal fee.

The original figures showed Hoo Zoo & Dinosaur World in Telford could have seen its annual costs jump from £2,520 to £5,510, which owner, Will Dorrell said he would "strongly oppose".

Telford and Wrekin Council has now updated the report from officers on its website showing the correct proposed licence fee would be £2,890.

Dorrell said that was an acceptable rise. The authority has been approached for a comment.

Following a news article by the Local Democracy Reporting Service on the price hike "the council called up to apologise for the misunderstanding," he said.

"It was a very amicable phone conversation and they completely understood why I was upset about the situation," the zoo owner added.

Council officers are proposing wholesale changes to a range of business-related fees and charges, including for zoos.

A report from officers stated that a full review of fees and charges had been carried out to reflect any changes in legislation, government guidance, changes to processes and compliance requirements and to reflect any increase in associated costs.

"In an ideal world we'd love for there to be no increase, but equally we understand with the new framework we accept that and are absolutely fine with the proposed increase," he said.

Other types of fees and charges set by the council are set to rise, but some are also earmarked to fall.

Street traders looking to ply their business for one day in Telford & Wrekin face a 120% increase. Some taxi driver fees could rise up to 36%.

Horse inspection fees are recommended to fall by up to 69%, with new licences for dog breeding earmarked for a 34% fall.

A public consultation exercise has been proposed to start later this month.

Additional reporting by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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