Issue - meetings

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

The Head of Finance and Investment presented the Fees and Charges 2021/22 report. Members were advised of a correction to the weekly garage rent charge for tenants which should have stated it was £15 in line with the charge for non-tenants.

In respect of income relating to changes relating to the period after the conclusion of EU Transition, it was stated that this would be subject to a further report when the situation became clearer.

In respect of the increase of 7% for the interment of an adult or child exceeding 12 years (item no. 174) it was stated that this was paid for by the government and not families.

The reduction in the number of items from 5 to 3 that could be collected as part of bulk waste charge more accurately reflected demand where it was unusual for 5 items to be collected. The charge reflected the cost to the council of the contract. In respect of a request from Councillor S H Beer, the Strategic Director (Operations and Commercial) advised that he would look to provide usage data and data on the number of items collected.

In respect of the charges for garage plots, it was stated that this was part of a move to align the charge for standard garages (for non-tenants) and garage plots. While historically they had predominantly been used by tenants it was now a mix of tenant and non-tenant users.  

The Strategic Director (Operations and Commercial) advised that the charges for the provision of additional bins on request was formalising an existing arrangement. The provision of additional bins could be requested by Town and Parish Councils.

It was proposed by Councillor S H Beer, duly seconded by Councillor T A Bond, and

RESOLVED:     That it be recommended to Cabinet that decision CAB72 be endorsed as follows:

(a)  That the Fees and Charges (F&Cs) for 2021/22, as set out in Appendices 2.1 to 2.14 and 5.1 and 5.3 of the report, be approved.

(b)  That any F&Cs will be adjusted by Strategic Directors, in consultation with the 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 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.

(Councillor S H Beer joined the meeting during the consideration of the item of business.)

To consider the attached report of the Head of Finance and Investment.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Finance, Governance and Digital

It was agreed:

(a)   That the Fees and Charges (F&Cs) for 2021/22, as set out in Appendices 2.1 to 2.14 and 5.1 and 5.3 of the report, be approved.

(b)   That any F&Cs will be adjusted by Strategic Directors, in consultation with the 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 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.