Update on proposal to abolish the AALA

We are pausing the proposal to abolish the AALA so that we can further consider how to develop a regime that reflects the level of risk of participating in adventurous activity while ensuring users are reassured about a provider's safety management arrangements.

Concern about how to achieve this balance was raised in last year’s consultation on future arrangements. There was also comment about the inconsistency of current arrangements as some activities are licensed and other, very similar ones are not.

We will consult on this issue later this year to seek views from all with an interest and to provide an opportunity to influence future arrangements in England.

Anyone providing adventure activities, thinking of doing so or using a provider, should continue on the basis of 'business-as-usual'. If you are a provider of an activity in scope of the current arrangements, you must still hold a valid licence. If you are planning to use a provider offering activities within scope you should check they hold a valid licence. Following the planned consultation and as any changes are implemented, transitional arrangements will be developed.

The legislation that gives licensing its legal base is devolved and the devolved administrations have decided to retain licensing in its current form. We will continue to work with them as future arrangements for adventure activities are developed.