Monkey owners in Ipswich will have to meet welfare standards similar to those at a zoo.
Ipswich Borough Council is preparing to introduce new charges for people privately keeping primates, with the new licence potentially costing more than £1,000 before veterinary fees are taken into account.
Keepers will pay £630 when applying and another £410 if their licence is granted.
While the prospect of monkeys living behind Ipswich's front doors might sound unusual, the council will be responsible for making sure any privately kept primates are being properly looked after.
New regulations have introduced a licensing system covering privately kept primates, with the government seeking to effectively stop them being kept as ordinary household pets.
Council papers say primates are “wild, highly intelligent, and socially complex animals with very specific needs”.
The report says evidence shows those needs are not being met in homes.
Primate owners will have to meet zoo-style welfare standards, with licences lasting three years.
The council will be responsible for inspecting premises, monitoring licence holders, and taking enforcement action against anyone keeping a primate without the required permission.
A suitably qualified person must carry out inspections, with a veterinary surgeon considered suitable for the role.
But exactly how much monkey business there currently is in Ipswich remains unclear.
The council says it has never previously issued a primate licence under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, which covered some species before the new regime was introduced.
The new rules cover primates more widely, while animals kept in zoos continue to fall under separate legislation.
Renewing an Ipswich primate licence is set to cost £630, plus veterinary inspection fees.
The council compared fees elsewhere in Suffolk when setting its prices.
East Suffolk charges £505 plus veterinary inspection costs for a new licence, while Babergh and Mid Suffolk charge £866 plus a vet’s fees.
Council officers say the Ipswich fees are intended only to cover the authority’s costs, including applications, staff training and enforcement.
The council’s Executive will consider the proposed fees on November 3.
Share