Issue - meetings

Members discussed a report which presented the review of English Language Assessment Fees. The purpose of this report was to make a slight amendment to the previously agreed fees and charges made on 17th October 2023 by Members of this Committee.

The Committee were informed that the agreed fees included a charge of £25 for the English Skills assessment payable by applicants who live outside the Borough. This allowed the Licensing services to recoup the payments that the team was making to Adult Learning Services. The cost of providing the assessments to Blackburn with Darwen residents was being met by Adult Learning Services.

In addition to this The Principle Licensing Officer had informed the committee that Adult Learning Services could no longer subsidise the assessments for Blackburn with Darwen residents therefore, all the costs were now being met in full by the Licensing Authority. However, members were assured that the fee would only be relevant to new drivers.

Resolved – The members recommended for new drivers to require payment of £25 from all candidates taking the driver English skills assessment.