Minutes:
Councillor Snell introduced the
report and explained that it provided a list of future fees and
charges from 1 April 2023. He stated that fees and charges would
raise approximately £7.641mn income for the Council, which
was an increase of 4% on 2022/23. Councillor Snell confirmed that
fees and charges were being reviewed and this would be presented to
Cabinet in Quarter 1 2023/24.
Councillor Johnson questioned why Cabinet Members were not listed
as receiving delegated authority for in-year fees and charges
amendments. The Director of Law and Governance suggested that
“in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder”
was added to recommendation 2. This amendment was agreed by all
Cabinet Members.
The Deputy Leader felt it was good to see a review of fees and
charges would be occurring. She highlighted that some Adult Social
Care fees and charges were means-tested so vulnerable residents
could continue to access services. She highlighted the removed
charge relating to meals on wheels, but confirmed that the service
would continue for residents, but would be delivered in a different
way. The Leader echoed these comments and felt it was good to see
fees and charges would be reviewed. He highlighted the fees for
weddings and registrars, and asked if the numbers of people getting
married had increased. The Director of Strategy, Engagement and
Growth replied that this figure had increased throughout 2022/23.
The Deputy Leader thanked the registrars’ team for their hard
work, and confirmed that she had got married in the new
registrars’ office and had enjoyed her day.
The recommendations, including the amendment to recommendation 2,
were proposed by the Leader, and seconded by Councillor Snell. All
Cabinet Members agreed the recommendations as listed below.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet:
1. Agreed the proposed fees and charges, including those no longer
applicable, as per Appendices 1 and 2.
2. Approved
delegated authority to the following Directors, in consultation
with the relevant Portfolio Holders, to vary Fees and Charges for
the respective service area within the financial year 2023/24 in
response to legal and regulatory requirements only:
i. Director of
Strategy, Engagement and Growth (para 4)
ii. Director of Public Realm (para 4,5)
iii. Director of Place (para 4,5)
iv. Director of Adult Social Care and Community (para 6)
v. Director of Housing (para 7)
vi. Director of Children’s Services (para 8)
3. Considered the feedback and additional information from all
Overview and Scrutiny Committee meetings and additional meetings
held in relation to fees and charges, as per Appendices 3, 4, and
5.
4. Noted the requirement for a detailed review of our Fees and
Charges in Quarter 1 2023/24 alongside a revision of our strategy
for raising income and fee charging policy.
Reason for decision: as outlined in the
report
This decision is subject to call-in
Supporting documents: