Minutes:
Councillor Hebb introduced the
report and stated that it outlined the services provided by the
Council and the associated costs for 2020/21, as well as the
proposed price changes and removed charges. He stated that the fees
and charges outlined in the report helped the Council to meet its
long-term financial plan, and was an amalgamation of hard work
across every directorate in the Council. He stated that the
proposed fees and charges had been
benchmarked on market prices, and the market would continue
to be analysed throughout the year to ensure balance. He commented
that this report updated the Cabinet on specific fees and charges,
and ensured that no department ran at a loss.
The Leader invited Councillor Rigby to speak on the discussions
held at Cleaner, Greener and Safer (CGS) Overview and Scrutiny, as
she had been the Vice-Chair in the Chair for the meeting that
discussed the proposed fees and charges. Councillor Rigby explained
how officers had outlined the changes that were
proposed to fees and charges under the remit of CGS Overview
and Scrutiny Committee, and all recommendations had been agreed.
She highlighted that some Members of the Committee had felt concern
regarding the increase of charges relating to sport, but that it
had been explained to them as necessary to allow the department to
be cost-neutral, and discounts were available to those that met
certain criteria. She summarised and stated that no other issues
had been raised.
The Leader thanked Councillor Rigby for her feedback, and felt that
it was good to see Overview and Scrutiny understand the reasons for
fees and charges increases to ensure cost neutrality. He added that
the Council had a duty to supply services to residents, and this
report would ensure that residents paid a fair price for those
services. Councillor Huelin highlighted the fee increase for hiring
rooms in libraries, and other commercial rents, but assured
residents that community groups and charities would pay a lower
fee. She added that Health and Wellbeing groups and the theatre
would also pay lower fees.
Councillor Watkins thanked Councillor Rigby for her feedback and
stated that he understood the concern of the Committee regarding
the sport fee increase. He commented that this increase would be a
phased approach over a number of years, and the Council would work
with groups and users to monitor the impact. He stated that the
Council had to ensure cost neutrality, but also had to ensure
services could continue to be supplied, and would receive the
necessary upkeep. Councillor Watkins added that a new sport and
leisure policy was currently being
developed which would show the Council’s commitment to
sport across the borough. He also mentioned the new enforcement
charges that were being added in this
report, such as to tackle engine idling, which would improve air
quality across the borough. He stated that the officers tackling
engine idling would use a considered approach, and would focus on
areas where drivers tended to idle, such as outside schools and at
railway crossings. Councillor Watkins added that this would also
help to reduce climate change. He summarised and highlighted less
visible fees such as charges for people dumping refuse into sewers,
as although this could appear a small problem, he felt that
enforcement of this fee could help keep the borough clean and
tidy.
The Leader highlighted Councillor Watkins point that engine idling
enforcement would be tackled using a focussed approach, and signs
would go up in places such as bus stations and town centres where
idling was common. He stated that the Council were working hard to
move towards being cost neutral, and
this report would help with that. He added that fees could
fluctuate during the year.
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 allow Fees and Charges to be
varied within a financial year in response to commercial
requirements, in consultation with the Corporate Director of
Finance, Governance and Property, and the relevant Portfolio
Holder.
3. Noted the feedback from all Overview and Scrutiny Committee
meetings.
Reason for decision: as outlined in the
report
This decision is subject to
call-in
Supporting documents: