Issue - meetings

Councillor Ashall introduced the recommendations of the Executive in respect of the fees and charges for the coming financial year and advised that the majority of the Council’s fees and charges would remain at the existing level.  A summary of the changes had been set out in the original report to the Executive. 

Attention was drawn to the proposed increase for taxi licensing fees and the Council questioned whether this was the right time to do so, taking into account the impact of Covid-19 restrictions on the taxi trade.  It was noted that the costs of the meals on wheels service would be increasing after having been kept at the same level for a number of years.  It would be important to ensure that no-one was put off using the service as a result of the change.

Councillor Ashall responded to the points raised before moving to the recommendation of the Executive.

RESOLVED

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

Reporting Person – Leigh Clarke

The Executive received a report detailing the proposed discretionary fees and charges for 2021-22.  Councillor Ashall, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Financial Planning and Policy, explained the proposed increases to leisure charges, community meals and Careline.  It was noted that community meals charges had been frozen since 2017.  Attention was drawn to Table 5.1 on page 16 of the agenda pack which summarised the proposed changes in fees and charges.

Discussion ensued on Government support received in relation to the leisure contract.  The Executive was advised that Freedom Leisure had access to the Government’s furlough scheme and had received rate relief where appropriate.  In addition, the Council had received support from the Government in terms of loss of management fee income.  Officers advised that it was unclear at the present time whether further support would be made available by the Government.

Following a question regarding community meals charges, the Executive was informed that no increase in cancellations had been noted due to affordability issues.  Regarding Centres for the Community, it was noted that activity was taking place to ensure centres were being more widely used, such as hosting health visitor clinics and youth services.

Officers confirmed that existing registered disabled blue badge holders would be transferred onto the new parking system at no cost.  It was noted that the £15 administration charge for renewals or new applications would apply for the full three year term of the disabled persons blue badge.

It was explained that the licensing and taxi service was currently running at a loss as the Council had chosen not to increase licence fees for several years.  A modest increase in fees was therefore proposed.

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.