The local authority has been awarded more than £20,000 worth of funding from the Better Regulation Delivery Office, which is part of the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, to examine how Local Government Association proposals could simplify the licensing system in England.
It will look at what changes councils need to make in order for a single business licence to be issued on a licence-for-life basis.
Earlier this year the Local Government Association launched a report titled Open for Business: Rewiring Licensing calling for a comprehensive review of the system. It said that licensing laws were uncoordinated as they were split across a number of different Whitehall departments, and that businesses and councils were negotiating a licensing system that was “out-dated, inflexible and complex”.
Cornwall Council said it issues 8,000 to 10,000 business authorisations a year across several departments including licensing, food, health and safety, environmental protection, and housing.
Simplified system
Allan Hampshire, Cornwall Council’s head of public protection & business support, said: “The project is expected to take six months and will include mapping a typical set of activities for both start-up and established businesses.
“We will also want to work with local businesses and trade associations to better understand their needs in terms of a simplified licensing system. We will be exploring options that will work better for councils and businesses such as a single licensing application form, a council licensing single point of contact, online accessibility and flexible payment options.”
Business Minister Matthew Hancock said: “This Government is ripping out the red tape that holds firms back. We’ve scrapped over 1,000 regulations, saving firms £1.5 billion and we’re on track to be the first government in modern history to leave office with fewer regulations than when we came in.
“I am delighted that a simplified licensing system is being examined by Cornwall Council; this would help free businesses from unnecessary bureaucracy and enable them to focus on creating growth and jobs.”
British Beer & Pub Association Brigid Simmonds said although most pubs only need a premises licence, she is keen to encourage local authorities to adopt “one inspection regime with a clear, risk-based approach”.
“In theory, simplifying the system sounds great,” she said. “We are very willing to work with local authorities such as Cornwall to look at this further - anything which could reduce red tape is welcome.”