The Assistant Director Education and Skills introduced the report and stated that it was presented before the Committee on an annual basis. She highlighted the charge that related to Grangewaters which had increased by 64% and explained that this was because it was an activity that required the whole lake and staff onsite to manage. She explained that previously this had been undertaken by volunteers or by holding other activities that required onsite staff at the same time, but this was no longer feasible. She summarised and stated that the team tested the market for fees and charges, and the proposals would be implemented in April, if agreed by Cabinet.

Councillor Kent highlighted the increase of 64% at Grangewaters, and asked if this was for the Water-ski and Jet-Ski Club, and if any consultation had been undertaken with them. The Assistant Director Education and Skills replied that conversations had been ongoing throughout the season, as they used the whole lake and it had been difficult to identify space for them. She explained that there were no volunteers identified in future, so staff costs would increase. She stated that the Club had felt disappointed that there had been no space for them this year, but the team would continue to work closely with them in future. Councillor Anderson questioned how the overall pricing of Grangewaters related to the national average. The Assistant Director Education and Skills answered that pricing at Grangewaters was lower than the national average, but Grangewaters followed a different pricing strategy as it was aimed for local community use.

The Chair stated that over 50% of the fees and charges increases outlined in the report were above inflation. She asked if any consultation had been undertaken for these increases. The Assistant Director Education and Skills replied that some of the fees and charges had only been increased by approximately £1 above inflation, and this was low when compared to the national average. She stated that the team had spoken with services and service users before proposing an increase in fees and charges. The Chair questioned why the commercial rate hall charge had been removed. The Assistant Director Education and Skills responded that this related to the Thurrock Adult Community College building, which was not in operation. She stated that the removal of fees and charges relating to Grangewaters had been to simplify and streamline the system.

Councillor Kent questioned the approval process for the report. The Assistant Director Education and Skills explained that the report would go to February’s Cabinet meeting for their sign off. Councillor Kent stated that he would not agree to give director delegated authority to change the fees and charges in year, and felt that this should have some Member oversight, for example in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder. Councillor Anderson questioned if the recommendation relating to director delegated authority had been previously included in fees and charges reports. He also questioned how regularly director delegated authority was utilised. The Assistant Director Education and Skills replied that the recommendation relating to director delegated authority had been included on fees and charges reports for the past few years, but had rarely been used by directors to amend a charge once it had been agreed.

Councillor Kent suggested that recommendation two be amended to include “director delegated authority, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, or appropriate Member oversight”. A vote was held on this recommendation amendment. There were two votes in favour (Councillors Muldowney and Kent), and two votes against (Councillors Anderson and Thandi). As the vote was tied, the Chair received the casting vote and voted for the recommendation. Therefore, the recommendation was amended.

Councillor Kent suggested an additional recommendation which read “The Committee did not support fees and charges increases above the current rate of inflation of 4.2%”. A vote was held on this recommendation. There were two votes in favour (Councillors Muldowney and Kent) and two votes against (Councillors Anderson and Thandi). As the vote was tied, the Chair received the casting vote and voted for the recommendation. Therefore the proposed additional recommendation was agreed.

RESOLVED: That the Committee:

1. Noted the revised fees and charges including those no longer applicable, and commented on the proposals currently being considered within the remit of the Committee.

2. Noted that director delegated authority, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder or other appropriate Member oversight, will be sought via Cabinet to allow Fees and Charges to be varied within a financial year in response to commercial requirements.

3. Did not support fees and charges increases above the current rate of inflation of 4.2%.