Decision details

The Licensing Team Leader presented the report on Fees and Charges 2013/14.  The complete list of fees, even where there were no changes, were listed for transparency and to ensure all fees and charges were properly set.

The Committee was advised that the fees were separated into four categories:

·                         Licensing Act fees;

·                         Gambling Act fees;

·                         Hackney Carriage and Private Hire fees; and

·                         Miscellaneous fees

The Licensing Act fees were set by Central Government and not by the Council and there had been no changes to the level of these fees since 2005.  However, the fees under the Gambling Act were set within guidelines and it was recommended that minor changes be made to some fees as set out in the report.

RESOLVED:    (a)        That the Fees and Charges for 2013/14 as set out in Annexes 2 and 3 be approved.

                         (b)        That, as a general principal, it be agreed that the fees were set at an appropriate inclusive level, irrespective of VAT status, and that the VAT element within the overall fee level then be determined. 

                         (c)        That the fees be adopted at, or close to government directed levels without the need for further reporting, in cases where the Council was awaiting for Government guidance and it had not been possible to set a fee level at this stage.

                         (d)        That authority to make minor adjustments to the fees and charges be delegated to the Director of Environment and Corporate Assets in consultation with the Director of Finance, Housing and Community.