David Ruffley MP has today highlighted a report from the Local Government Association (LGA) which reveals that the Licensing Act 2003 has cost, to date, over £100million more to implement than the Government expected- with Council Tax payers footing the bill.

The report from the LGA, entitled 'Unfinished Business' also highlighted that the majority of councils, police authorities and PCTs surveyed reported no positive effects on drink-fuelled disorder as a result of the new licensing arrangements.

David has today asked St Edmundsbury Borough Council and Mid Suffolk District Council to reveal their total licensing income and costs in each financial year since 2004/05 to reveal the extent of the problem in Suffolk.

David said:

'This is a damning report from the LGA, not only has this Government's late licensing legislation cost £100million more to implement that they expected but it has also had no tangible impact on reducing drink fuelled disorder.

'The colossal £100million in extra administration costs is the equivalent of £5 per Council Tax payer.

'To establish the extent of the financial impact of late licensing on local authorities here in Suffolk, I have today contacted both St Edmundsbury Borough Council and Mid Suffolk District Council asking them to release details of their total licensing income and costs since the implementation of the Licensing Act 2003.'