Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent.

The Committee received the report of the Superintendent of Epping Forest updating Members on the charges levied for the management of various Forest licences and produce sales at Epping Forest and sought approval for the proposed charges for 2014/15.

The licencing of activity on Forest Land had raised a total so far in 2013/14 of

£9,898. Produce sales had generated £1,132 and Horse Riding Licences a

further £10,524. Charges for licences had been raised by a figure of 3% with

the exception of Horse Licences charges, which remained fixed since their introduction in 2003.

The additional byelaws for the regulation of Horse Riding were introduced at

Epping Forest on 20 June 2003. The fees that could be charged for horse rising

licences are set out in the byelaws, and were the only charges that have

remained static since introduction. Prices for licences were set having regard

to matters set out in the byelaws, could be reviewed from time to time, and can

only rise by the Retail Price Index from the period that the prices were last

reviewed. Based on the Bank of England inflation calculator a full year Riding

School licence would now cost in the £54.73 £56.32 range (based on the

precise RPI indexation).

In response to a query from Members it was noted that the charges levied under Horse Riding licence scheme were designed to realise 50% of the costs of maintaining surfaced and posted rides which were the only available access for horses during the closed riding season.

Officers informed the Committee that Horse licences had not changed and neither had model aircraft – although the latter were fixed under the byelaws. Officers wanted to have a wider conversation with users on fishing, football, golf, horse riding and other activities widely subsidised by us, to foster a greater understanding of this issue. A formula did exist for the calculation of horse licence fees, directly related to the maintenance costs of the rides, but this was drawn up on estimates of thousands of riders rather than hundreds.

A Verderer raised the point that the amount of VAT had risen since these charges were first set so practical income had decreased. There had been rumours that riders may not be paying until they are made to pay. Officers responded saying that they did have ‘stop days’ for Golf, riding etc where they check licences and had made two prosecutions recently. Most riders do have licences and Officers also double check when holders cancel or fail to renew.

In response to a Verderer query regarding livery yards Officers said a change was made to the scheme regarding schools as they effectively rent out horses to different students for lessons. However, this was not the case at livery yards so licencing was still the responsibility of the owner. Officers would like to make it easy for yards to collect fees on our behalf (not currently possible) particularly as the reduced opening at High Beach has made it more difficult for some riders to pay.

Officers informed Members that the record income for horse-riding licences was three years ago, and the lowest was only £1000 lower so the amounts are reasonably constant.

Officers informed Members that fees for filming in the forest would be dealt with under a separate report to be considered by Committee in the future.

In response to a query regarding fitness training in the forest there had been a noticeable growth of this style of organisation. Officers agreed that using the area around the war memorial for fitness training was not an appropriate activity and agreed to investigate the matter further.

Resolved: That Members:

• Approved the proposed charges for 2014/15

• Approved the delegation to the Superintendent of discretionary powers to set terms and conditions and impose deposit arrangements for licences, and to set charges in the case of unusual licence requests.