Variations and re-rating requests
Contents
Variations
To apply for a variation the business operator must outline in writing the reason(s) for the variation.
There are two types of variation:
- an 'admin variation' (such as a change of name or adding of horses to a licence with the appropriate vets report) where an officer does not need to visit to make a decision
- a 'significant changes variation' (such as an increase in the number of animals you wish to keep) where an officer would need to visit to make a decision
Submit a request
Requests for a variation must be made in writing and submitted by email to ehadmin@midkent.gov.uk.
There is a fee to pay for both types of variation:
- admin variation £40
- significant changes variation £87
Making a payment
You can make your variation fee payment online using a credit or debit card.
Before you start
You will need:
- your reference number
- the business name and address to be licenced
Re-inspection request for re-rating purposes
To ensure fairness to businesses, a procedure is in place for undertaking re-inspections at the request of a business for re-assessing star ratings. A request may be made where a business has been rated 1-4, has accepted the rating and made the necessary improvements to address the identified non compliances or meet the higher standards.
To request a re-inspection the business operator must outline in writing the case for a re-inspection, indicating the actions that have been taken to address any identified non-compliance and/or improvements made to achieve the higher standards.
If there is insufficient evidence provided that improvements have been made, we can refuse to undertake a re-inspection but must explain why we are refusing the request.
A re-score can only be undertaken following a re-inspection and cannot be undertaken on documentary evidence alone. There is a fee for a re-score and businesses are advised that re-inspection for re-rating purposes may result in lower rating or no change rather than an increase in rating.
Submit a request
Requests for a re-inspection must be made in writing and submitted by email to ehadmin@midkent.gov.uk.
There is a fee of £152 for a re-inspection.
Making a payment
You can make your re-inspection fee payment online using a credit or debit card.
Before you start
You will need:
- your reference number
- the business name and address to be licenced
Licences can be issued for a period of either one, two or three years depending on the risk rating and level of compliance. This also corresponds with the star rating for the establishment.
The procedural guidance describes the risk-based system that must be used when issuing licences under the Regulations (with the exception of 'Keeping or Training Animals for Exhibition' where all licences are issued for three years).
Use of this system determines both the length of the licence and the star rating that will be awarded. Local authorities in England are expected to follow it in full.
Welfare standards / risk scoring matrix
| Minor failings * | Minimum standards ** | Higher standards ** | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low risk |
1 Star 1-year licence Min 1 unannounced visit within a 12-month period |
3 Star 2-year licence Min 1 unannounced visit within a 24-month period |
5 Star 3-year licence Min 1 unannounced visit within a 36-month period |
| Higher risk |
1 Star 1-year licence Min 1 unannounced visit within a 12-month period |
2 Star 1-year licence Min 1 unannounced visit within a 12-month period |
4 Star 2-year licence Min 1 unannounced visit within a 24-month period |
* existing business that are failing to meet minimum standards
** as laid down in the schedule and guidance
The Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has published Animal activities licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities to assist in assessing the regulations, which are available to be downloaded.