Councillor Hebb introduced the report and stated that this was a cross-departmental report that outlined the fees and charges for discretionary services provided by the Council and fees and charges whose price was set up by the national government. He explained that Thurrock considered the local market when setting fees and charges, including what other nearby local authorities were charging, to ensure that Thurrock remained attractive and competitive, and services could be self-funded where possible. He stated that feedback from all overview and scrutiny committees could be found at Appendix 3.

The Leader felt disappointed that there remained statutory charges that were set by national government, and felt these should be set by the local authority. He urged central government to consider allowing local authorities to set the price for all fees and charges. He added that some of the fees and charges that had been increased this year, for example some parking fees, had not been raised for many years. Councillor Johnson felt pleased to see that most discretionary services could be self-funded through the fees and charges scheme.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

1. Agreed the proposed fees and charges, including those no longer applicable, as per Appendices 1 and 2.

2. Approved the delegated authority to allow Fees and Charges to be varied within a financial year, in response to legal, regulatory and commercial requirements, in consultation with the Director of Resources and Place Delivery, the relevant Portfolio Holder, and the Cabinet Member for Finance.

3. Noted the feedback from all Overview and Scrutiny Committee meetings as per Appendix 3.

Reason for decision: as outlined in the report
This decision is subject to call-in