Pembrokeshire County Council’s services overview and scrutiny committee reviewed the licensing fees for riding establishments, which are required under the Riding Establishments Act 1964 for businesses hiring out horses or providing riding instruction. The current fee structure, introduced in 2018 and adjusted for inflation, charges between £583 and £1,112 depending on the number of horses, plus an additional £300 for a mandatory equine vet health check. Despite fluctuations in the number of licensed establishments—from a high of 11 to a current range of five to seven—officers reported no evidence that licensing fees have caused business closures, with insurance claims cited as a more significant factor in at least one closure.

Councillor concerns about fee comparisons with other local authorities were addressed by confirming that Pembrokeshire’s fees operate on a full cost recovery basis rather than for profit. No formal complaints about the fees have been received, and insurance costs remain a greater concern for businesses. The committee agreed to note the report and its recommendation to maintain the current cost recovery fee model.