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Drink laws 'hit council budgets' Drink laws 'hit council budgets'
(about 1 hour later)
The new round-the-clock drinking laws in England and Wales will leave town halls with a £95m budget shortfall, local authority leaders have said.The new round-the-clock drinking laws in England and Wales will leave town halls with a £95m budget shortfall, local authority leaders have said.
The Local Government Association said the three-year deficit could have an impact on future council tax bills.The Local Government Association said the three-year deficit could have an impact on future council tax bills.
Councils took over responsibility for licenses from magistrates when the act came into force in November 2005. Councils took over responsibility for licences from magistrates when the act came into force in November 2005.
The government intended income from fees would cover administration and enforcement costs.The government intended income from fees would cover administration and enforcement costs.
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport is due to release the findings of an independent panel led by Lord Elton which examined the 2003 Licensing Act.The Department of Culture, Media and Sport is due to release the findings of an independent panel led by Lord Elton which examined the 2003 Licensing Act.
But according to the LGA, the government had failed to meet assurances that the costs would not impact on council finances.But according to the LGA, the government had failed to meet assurances that the costs would not impact on council finances.
"Councils have pressed ministers at every possible opportunity to fulfil their pledge that the new licensing regime would not leave council taxpayers out of pocket," said LGA chairman Lord Bruce-Lockhart."Councils have pressed ministers at every possible opportunity to fulfil their pledge that the new licensing regime would not leave council taxpayers out of pocket," said LGA chairman Lord Bruce-Lockhart.
"Despite repeated assurances to the contrary, local authorities have been left facing a financial black hole.""Despite repeated assurances to the contrary, local authorities have been left facing a financial black hole."
Review powerReview power
The act allowed pubs, bars and clubs to apply to extend their drinking hours.The act allowed pubs, bars and clubs to apply to extend their drinking hours.
Premises selling food or alcohol after 2300 all needed to apply for a new licence, even if they did not intend to change their opening hours.Premises selling food or alcohol after 2300 all needed to apply for a new licence, even if they did not intend to change their opening hours.
Residents are also now able to ask local authorities to review licences.Residents are also now able to ask local authorities to review licences.
The LGA said figures indicated councils had spent £36.4m on implementing and enforcing the Act in the 2004-5 financial year, £88.8m in the following 12 months and £75.4m this year.The LGA said figures indicated councils had spent £36.4m on implementing and enforcing the Act in the 2004-5 financial year, £88.8m in the following 12 months and £75.4m this year.
Income from licensing fees over the three years totalled just over £106m, it said.Income from licensing fees over the three years totalled just over £106m, it said.