BII members oppose Government plans over personal licences

The survey found that 91% believed removing the personal licence would harm the trade’s professional reputation, and 89% agreed that it could harm the potential for the trade to grow into a position of improved standards, better compliance and perhaps, in time, self-regulation.

In addition, 95% agreed that there’s a need for a personal licence and the learning process people go through to achieve it.

In total 82% of multiple operators surveyed said they would not welcome the potential under the plan to see different rules applied to operators “not just by postcode, but potentially by street”.

High standards​

Tim Hulme, BII chief executive, said: "It’s central to our reason for being that we represent the voice of our members, hence asking these very specific questions about the potential for a change in the system.

"As I’ve said before, I’m supportive of reducing red-tape, but never at the cost of the professionalism of our industry. I firmly believe that the current system helps us promote high standards and forms a vital part of the pathway to better compliance."