Issue - meetings

Councillor Azad, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Financial Planning and Policy, introduced the recommendations of the Executive in respect of the proposed fees and charges for 2020/21.  Councillor Barker moved and Councillor Forster seconded the following amendment to the recommendations:

“Council requests the climate change working group to look at differential charging for environmentally friendly vehicles.”

It was clarified that the proposed differential charging referred to the car park charges.  The objective was to encourage more environmentally friendly vehicles and was welcomed by the Council.  The amendment was agreed nem con before the Mayor directed the Councillors to the substantive recommendations set out in the report.

RESOLVED

That (i)    the discretionary fees and charges, as set out in Appendices 1 – 4 of the report to the Executive, be approved; and

          (ii)   Council requests the Climate Change Working Group to look at differential charging for parking for environmentally friendly vehicles.

(NOTE: Councillor Ali joined the meeting at 7.55pm during the consideration of this item.)

Reporting Person – Leigh Clarke

The Executive received a report detailing the proposed discretionary fees and charges for 2020-21.  Councillor Azad, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Financial Planning and Policy, reported that the proposed charges amounted to an overall increase of 0.8%.  Members welcomed that there would be no increase in the cost of community meals for a third year in a row.  The Executive noted that the Borough’s community meals service was one of the lowest priced services in Surrey and that it would be necessary to look at the charges for 2021-22.

Following a question regarding paragraph 2.9 concerning the charge for the Brockhill guest room, the Executive was advised that there had been no increase for several years and that the proposed increase was modest.  The unique character of the services offered by Brockhill was highlighted.

Discussion ensued on parking charges and the Leader of the Council explained that it was Council policy to increase car park charges by 10p every other year.  Therefore, there were no increases proposed during 2020-21.  Following a question regarding parking availability over the Christmas period, the Executive was advised that over 200 spaces had been achieved in Town Centre car parks through the relocation of staff parking.  The Leader thanked staff colleagues who had moved to alternative parking provision.

Regarding the proposed leisure charges, it was explained that Freedom Leisure were experts in the leisure field and proposed charges which were competitive in the market.  The Executive noted that leisure charges were reviewed and discussed at the Leisure Partnership Board.  It was highlighted that the Council reserved the right to determine core charges due to their community importance.

REcommendED to Council

That the discretionary fees and charges, as set out in Appendices 1 – 4 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.