| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Pavement Dining | |
| Posted by: | Paul Corcoran | |
| Date/Time: | 18/01/17 15:24:00 |
| Mark said, "I do believe that LA owned pavements when used for revenue generating seating should pay a licence fee (rent) for the space commensurate with what that space generates for the business using it" This would be against the law as is what I said earlier about Council's not being able to use their fees to cover costs. I did a bit of digging and it would appear that they are allowed to cover the cost of providing the service through the fees they charge so legally Hounslow probably can put charges up. However their fees already appear excessive when compared to other boroughs - Richmond for instance charges just £303 flat fee for three years. The question then is whether the Council is providing administration, monitoring and enforcement of street trading cost effectively. From the figures provided it does appear to be very inefficient - enforcement for instance should be very straight forward as rival businesses or the public would be quick to complain if anyone started to serve food and drink on the pavement without a licence. Maybe the correct way to respond to this consultation is to suggest that the service is contracted out. |