Issue - meetings

To consider the attached report of the Strategic Director (Corporate Resources).

The Strategic Director (Corporate Resources) presented the report on the proposed Fees and Charges for 2020-21.

In response to questions from Members, it was stated that the variation in the inflation increases was due to rounding in some cases. In other cases, small inflationary increases were saved up over several years to be implemented in a single year. There were also a number of fees and charges increased over the level of inflation due to the need to cover the cost of delivering the service and some set by Government rather than the Council.

Members discussed the bulk waste charges and whether there would be any impact on fly tipping through reducing the charge. It was noted that this could have an impact on the contractor’s costs and that Kent County Council charges had the biggest impact in respect of fly tipping. 

RESOLVED:   That it be recommended to the Cabinet that the bulk domestic waste – collection (Charge for 5 items) be reduced to £30 with a view to Cabinet promoting the bulk waste collection service to reduce fly-tipping.

To consider the attached report of the Strategic Director (Corporate Resources).

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Finance and Governance

It was agreed:

(a)  That the fees and charges for 2020/21, as set out at Appendices 2.1 to 2.9 and 5.1 and 5.3, be approved.

(b)  That any fees and charges will be adjusted by Strategic Directors, in consultation with Portfolio Holders, to comply with any subsequently received government guidelines (when they are received) and any other minor changes without being the subject of a further report unless they are materially different from current charges or have a material impact on the level of income.

(c)   That the general principle that fees are set at an appropriate inclusive level, irrespective of VAT status, and that the VAT element within the overall fee level is then determined, be approved.

(d)  That the fees and charges approved separately by the Licensing and Regulatory Committees, as set out at Appendices 3 and 4 of the report, be noted.