Agenda item

Consideration was given to a report which was due to be determined at the Cabinet and Commissioners’ Decision Making Meeting on 12 March 2018 that proposing the level of fees and charges for the 2018/19 year.

It was reported that the Budget and Council Tax 2018/19 report approved by Council on 28 February 2018 had included a recommendation that all Council Fees and Charges be increased for 2018/19 by the September 2017 CPI increase of 3%, other than Fees and Charges which were set by national statute and that lists of all Fees and Charges proposed for 2018/19 are submitted to Cabinet in March for approval. It was noted that the Cabinet had already agreed Housing Revenue Account Rents and Service Charges for 2018/19 at its meeting on 15 January 2018 and agreed Allotment Rents for 2019/20 at its meeting on 19 February 2018. It was further reported that there was a statutory requirement for the Council to notify allotment tenants of fees and charges increases a year in advance. Some specific increases to fees and charges were consulted on as part of the 2018/19 budget consultation and were included within the 2018/19 budget as specific budget savings:-

·         Planning Fees

·         Riverside House Café

·         Civic Theatre

·         Parks & Country Parks

Members raised concerns regarding pest control and made specific reference to the protection of bees, which were increasingly considered to be an endangered species due to the use of pesticides. In response, it was explained that the Council charged for the services it provides in respect of pest control, but assurances would be provided outside of the meeting in respect of the way in which bees’ nests were removed.

A query was also raised in respect of the School Music Service and the reasons why the 3% increase had not been applied in this area. In response it was confirmed that the authority wished to avoid potentially pricing some families out of accessing that service.

Clarification was sought in respect of the fees and charges for town centre markets and what consideration had been giving to stall holders in the context of decreasing footfall in the town. In response, Members were reminded that the additional income from the markets service was part of the overall budget saving agreed by Council on 28 February, which had also been subject to scrutiny in December 2017. Reference was made to the long-term ambitions for the town centre and Members were reminded that the regeneration process would take time. When the bigger projects were delivered, it was anticipated that the improved town centre offer would improve footfall and business for all traders.

Members were keen to ensure that all proposed changes to fees and charges were implemented effectively and expressed a desire for a future paper outlining how income targets had been met later in the year.

Resolved:-

1.    That Cabinet be advised that the recommendation be supported.

2.    That a report be submitted in September 2018 outlining progress in meeting income targets arising from the increase in fees and charges as part of the budget setting process.