Issue - meetings
New Fee for Primate Licences
Meeting: 21/01/2026 - Council (Item 67)
67 New Fee for Primate Licenses 
PDF 556 KB
Purpose:
To seek Council’s approval to implement a fee for primate licensing applications, subject to the proposed fees having been approved by the Planning and Licensing Committee at their meeting on 14 January 2026.
Recommendation:
Subject to the resolutions of the Planning and Licensing Committee on 14 January 2026, Council is recommended to:
- Agree that the fees applicable to Primate Keeper Licence applications are set as detailed in paragraph 3.9.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The purpose of the report was to seek the Council’s approval to implement fees for primate licensing applications, with the proposed fees having been approved by the Planning and Licensing Committee at its meeting on 14 January 2026.
Councillor Andrea Pellegram, Cabinet Member for Environment and Regulatory Services, introduced the report and outlined the Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024, made under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The regulations established a licensing scheme requiring private primate keepers to meet zoo-level welfare standards.
It was noted that the regulations had come into force on 6 April 2025 and required existing and prospective primate keepers to hold a license, with inspections undertaken prior to the determination of an application and at least once during the license period. The scheme applied to specified primate species, as set out in the regulations.
Members were advised that the regulations allowed local authorities to charge fees, and the report set out the proposed fees for applications, renewals, and variations.
The Chair invited questions of clarification. Members asked how many primates were currently kept within the district and whether the proposals would generate a material income. It was confirmed that the matter had previously been considered by the Planning and Licensing Committee and that officers were not aware of any primates currently being kept within the district.
Councillor Tom Stowe seconded the recommendations and spoke in support of the proposals, noting that while the item focused on licensing fees, it also reflected wider animal welfare responsibilities. Concerns regarding the keeping of primates in captivity were acknowledged, and it was noted that the licensing regime would provide a degree of protection by enabling the Council to monitor private keeping and welfare standards.
Members were advised that the proposed fees were based on full cost recovery, aligned with other licensing fees, and subject to annual review. It was emphasised that the fees were not intended to generate income but to ensure that inspection and enforcement costs were met by applicants rather than taxpayers.
The Chair then moved to the debate. During debate, Members expressed support for the proposals and highlighted broader animal welfare considerations. The importance of effective monitoring was emphasised, and officers were thanked for their work. Reference was made to wider scientific recognition of sentience, and support was expressed for calls to restrict or prohibit private primate ownership, with suggestions that the issue be raised with local Members of Parliament.
Members also queried enforcement arrangements. It was explained that the Council retained responsibility for enforcement and would work with external organisations, including the RSPCA and specialist rescue centres, where license conditions were not met. This could include supporting the rehoming of animals where necessary.
The Chair then moved to the vote on the resolution proposed by Councillor Andrea Pellegram and seconded by Councillor Tom Stowe.
Voting record
31 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
Meeting: 14/01/2026 - Planning and Licensing Committee (Item 231)
231 New Fee for Primate Licenses PDF 558 KB
Purpose:
To seek approval to implement a fee for primate licensing applications.
Recommendations:
That the Committee:
1. Note the contents of the report and the implications of the Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024 on the Council; and,
2. Recommend to Council that the fees applicable to Primate Keeper Licence applications are set as detailed in paragraph 3.9
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The purpose of the report was to seek approval to implement a fee for primate licensing applications.
The report was presented by Councillor Andrea Pellegram, Cabinet Member for Environment and Regulatory Services and Andrea Thomas, Licensing Officer, who made the following points:
· Fees for Primate Keeper Licences were introduced under the Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024. The regulations came into force on 6 April 2025, and it was noted that from 6 April 2026 it would be an offence to keep a primate without a licence.
· Provision existed to renew, vary, surrender, or revoke a licence, with inspections included.
· Proposed fees aligned with similar licensing regimes (e.g. horse-riding establishments).
· Proposed fees:
o £530 for a new licence, £364 for a renewal, £30 for a variation
· Fees would be reviewed annually.
In discussion and questioning the following points were made:
· No primates were currently known to require a licence in the District.
· Plans were to contact local vets to identify any primates that may need licensing.
· If a primate was discovered and the keeper did not obtain a licence, the Council had enforcement powers, including prosecutions, rectification notices, or licence revocation/variation.
Councillor Ian Watson proposed supporting the recommendations in the New Primate Licencing report. Councillor Julia Judd seconded the proposal
which was put to the vote and agreed by the Committee.
RESOLVED: To PERMIT the application.