Continuous licensing system

Following the HTA’s recent review of regulatory methodology, which included feedback from the licensed sectors, we have agreed to move from a fixed-term (3 year) licensing system to a continuous licensing system. Fixed-term licences will now only be used in exceptional cases, including temporary mortuaries and temporary exhibitions.

The continuous licensing system will be supported by a new sector-specific compliance monitoring framework that will involve the collection of regular compliance updates from licensed establishments. We will inform you of the method by which the compliance information will be collected in due course.

Continuous licensing will be implemented in May and June 2009. Please familiarise yourself with the process explained below. It has been devised to minimise the burden on licensed establishments and Designated Individuals.

Implementation process for continuous licences

• In May, all Designated Individuals and Licence Holders will be sent a general Notice of Proposal. This Notice proposes to remove the end dates from licences.
• The Notice will also implement a new set of standard conditions (Annex B to the licence). These standard conditions have been revised to ensure that continuous licences can be monitored effectively. Changes have also been made to improve the clarity of the conditions and improve general compliance with the licensing standards. Please review Annex B carefully when you receive the Notice of Proposal.
• At the end of the representation period (28 days from receipt of the Notice of Proposal), new continuous licence certificates will be sent to establishments. This will complete the implementation process

You do not have to take any action at this time, but if you have any questions about the implementation of continuous licences please email licensing.enquiries@hta.gov.uk or phone 020 7269 1900 and ask to speak to a member of the regulation directorate.

[page updated 7 April 2009]