COSTS for ice cream van operators to legally trade on Barnsley’s streets could dramatically increase by more than 4,000 per cent under new plans which are now being consulted on - sparking fury from owners who claim the council have ‘back-tracked’ on their previous promises.
The Chronicle revealed last week that licensing bosses are consulting on a shake-up to its street trading policy which could see ice cream vans’ current £250 fee rising for what is known as ‘mobile consent’.
Those wanting to trade on the town centre’s streets for a 12-month period will have to pay £14,560 under new rules outlined.
Six-month licences will cost £7,280 and three-month licences will cost £3,640, while those wishing to trade outside of the town centre are being asked to pay £10,920 for the full 12-month period.
Operator Sue Cairns - who works in Darfield and Thurnscoe - blasted the proposal, which comes just two months after operators successfully fought for an initial 400-metre no-go zone around schools to be reduced to 100 metres, which was granted at a ruling cabinet meeting in June.
She said: “It is with a sense of unfair treatment that I now find myself in a position to once again ask for the support of my community.
“I and fellow ice cream traders, with the help of local councillors, had agreed the details of the policy and the fees concerning our industry and this had already been agreed by cabinet.
“However, at the final stage an objection was raised by a friend of mine and mobile food operator, regarding the excessively high fees she would be charged to operate.
“She had previously thought she was classed as a ‘mobiler’ like me and would be subject to the same fees for a permit - £250 - but I knew she was not.
“I had the choice either to keep quite or to insist she looked closely at the details in the proposed policy.
“I had a choice to be selfish, keep quiet and get the policy through with our terms and fees of £250 agreed, or help a fellow trader and friend.
“I chose the latter and my conscience is clear, however as a result of my decision to do the right thing the powers that be are now set to increase our fees and they refuse to inform us what figure they are going to pluck out of the air.
“This is purely as a result of me speaking out and telling the truth so I will be campaigning once again to keep the already agreed figure of £250 which we were told at the time was adequate to cover all administrative costs.
“If standing up for what is right costs me and my business dearly, then so be it - I was brought up to do the right thing.”
An initial public consultation was held in February to gather views, resulting in some proposals - mainly the school restriction zone - being altered due to a backlash from ice cream van operators.
However, owners now fear they will be put in the same bracket as sellers such as burger van operators, who face the high cost.
Husband and wife duo Les and Sarah Green, who have collectively clocked up more than 50 years in the industry, described the potential change as ‘unfair’.
Sarah told the Chronicle: “Ice cream vans are very different to burger vans - we’re seasonal so have a smaller window to make money, our trading times are much smaller and we cannot stay in the same location for prolonged periods.
“They’re the main reasons why we have different fees in place so to effectively move us into the same bracket would be unfair.
“It’s all well and good opening a consultation period but so many people don’t have key information about what it is we’re even being consulted on.
“We just feel like we’ve been led down a path from June’s cabinet meeting when all appeared to be fine.”
Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, confirmed the consultation is now open.
“We’re consulting on our intention to make it illegal to trade on a street in the borough without street trading consent from April 1, 2025.
“Passing this resolution will allow us to effectively manage and control street trading within the town centre, across the high streets in our ‘Principal Towns’ and our road network.
“Our street trading policy, approved by cabinet in June, provides a clear framework for us to authorise and regulate street trading, outlining the criteria that applicants must meet and the fees they must pay to be granted street trading consent.
“We’re also reviewing that policy, including the fees and charges, and welcome the feedback of street traders and ice cream vendors in particular on that aspect.
“The comments from residents and businesses in the consultation will be presented to cabinet, who will decide if we proceed with the resolution and any amendments to the street trading policy.
“The resolution will then be made at full council in February next year.”
