There are no plans in place to introduce licencing. Defra has talked about it - but the date keeps being put back and back. I would imagine that the licence with actually be run by the BHS on Defra's behalf as they already have a yard approvals scheme in place so seems totally stupid to do another one (mind you as DEFRA come under the totally stupid banner we will probably have another one!!) 2012 is the latest date that is being talked about but the plans to implement are not in place.
Not forgotten about
ILPH/WHW doing survey as to welfare stds in livery yards http://www.ilph.org/news_details.asp?id=960
This info will probably lead to Consultation exercise