Barker Gotelee

Further to our email just before Christmas, in which we explained that the revised financial standing figures come into force in January 2010, we have made further enquiries with Leeds and the position appears to be that where applications for new or varied licences were lodged before the end of 2009 the financial standing evidence is being processed under the “old” rules (£6,200 for the first vehicle and £3,400 for subsequent vehicles for Standard National and International licences).  It would appear that in all other circumstances the new figures (£8,100 and £4,500 respectively) will be the relevant sums to be applied.  Of course all Standard Licence holders will have to demonstrate financial standing under the revised figures from now on, if called upon to do so.

It may be useful exercise for all operators to check that they have the necessary ready access to funds and address this if there are any difficulties.  Whilst an operator is normally only asked to reaffirm that they have sufficient financial standing when a licence is renewed, it does also crop up at interim intervals e.g. a routine check carried out by the Leeds office, in respect of a public inquiry or of course where some application is made to increase the size of the licence. 

The sums required for restricted licences (£3,100 and £1,700 respectively) remain unchanged.

After 2011, financial standing figures will be revised annually when new EU Operator Licensing Regulations come into force.

Tim Ridyard

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