Issue - meetings

The Council considered the proposed discretionary fees and charges for the coming year.  A number of concerns expressed at the Executive meeting were reiterated, including the increase in the controlled parking period in Zone 1, the charges for dog service providers and the absence of any parking promotions for evenings, Sundays or Christmas shopping days.  Concern was also expressed over the increase in careline costs and its impact on tenants.

Councillor Morales moved and Councillor Barker seconded an amendment in respect of the charges for dog service providers to review the proposals with the intention of reducing the charges for those individuals on an income less than a figure to be set by Council.  The objective would be to ensure that those on a low income would not be prevented from providing such services because of the cost of the licence.  The Council was advised that the effect of the amendment would be to agree the fees and charges for the coming year with the exception of those arising from the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.  Those charges would be referred to the Executive to consider whether it would be practicable to reduce the charges.

In accordance with Standing Order 10.8, the names of Members voting for and against the amendment were recorded.

In favour:                       Councillors M Ali, A-M Barker, J Bond, A Boote, M Bridgeman, I Eastwood, K Howard, L Lyons, L Morales and M I Raja.

                                      Total in favour – 10

Against:                         Councillors H Addison, S Ashall, A Azad, D Bittleston, A Bowes, G Chrystie, K Davis, D Harlow, Mrs B Hunwicks, S Hussain, C Kemp, N Martin, R Mohammed and C Rana.

                                      Total against – 14

Present not voting:       Councillor D Hughes.

                                      Total present not voting – 1

The amendment was therefore lost by 10 votes in favour to 14 votes against.

Councillor Boote considered that the issue of the Careline charges had not been addressed and moved an amendment that the Careline charges should be taken out of the proposals and reviewed.  The amendment was seconded by Councillor Bond and in accordance with Standing Order 10.8, the names of Members voting for and against the amendment were recorded.

In favour:                       Councillors M Ali, A-M Barker, J Bond, A Boote, M Bridgeman, K Howard, D Hughes, L Lyons and M I Raja.

                                      Total in favour – 9

Against:                         Councillors H Addison, S Ashall, A Azad, D Bittleston, A Bowes, G Chrystie, K Davis, D Harlow, Mrs B Hunwicks, S Hussain, C Kemp, N Martin, R Mohammed and C Rana.

                                      Total against – 14

Present not voting:       Councillors I Eastwood and L Morales.

                                      Total present not voting – 2

The amendment was therefore lost by 9 votes in favour to 14 votes against.

Councillor Azad summarised the proposals before the Council and responded to the points raised during the debate, noting that the changes to the CPZ would be subject to a public consultation before being considered by the Woking Joint  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8

Reporting Person – Leigh Clarke

The Executive received a report detailing the proposed discretionary fees and charges for 2019-20.  Discussion ensued on paragraph 3.9 of the report which proposed to increase the controlled parking period from 6pm to 10pm each day in Zone 1 of the Woking Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) with effect from 1 April 2019.  It was explained that the proposal had been through the Woking CPZ process and was intended to provide the ability to better control safety and improve traffic management in the Town Centre.  The Executive noted that the proposal was at consultation stage and that a decision would be made by the Woking Joint Committee at a future meeting date.

Following a question regarding paragraph 3.11 concerning the requirements of the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, the Executive was advised that it was the responsibility of the person carrying out the licensable activity to contact the Council.  Regarding dog service providers, the Executive heard that looking after a dog in its own home and dog walking, where the dog was returned to its own home the same day, were out of the scope of the Regulations.

REcommendED to Council

That the discretionary fees and charges, as set out in Appendices 1 – 3 of the report, be approved.

Reason:   The regular review of discretionary charges ensures that the Council maintains its income base and generates additional resources for the provision of services.