The Earl of Cranbrookasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are yet in a position to announce their conclusions on the future arrangements for dog licensing in Great Britain.
§ Lord EltonThe dog licence fee costs about £3.5 million annually to collect, and raises less than £1 million. There is some support for the licence from those who are concerned that dog nuisance and dog control should be properly managed and funded. Local authorities are best placed to deal with this problem and we think it right that they should continue to do so. They have adequate existing powers and can make by-laws as necessary. National legislation providing safeguards for farmers whose livestock are worried by dogs will remain in place. In the light of our proposals for the 1987–88 Rate Support Grant Settlement, local authorities will be able to accommodate any expenditure which they may judge to be necessary.
Accordingly, the Government have decided to introduce legislation to abolish the licence when a suitable opportunity arises.