Agenda and minutes

It was noted that there were no apologies for absence.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members in respect of business to be transacted on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest. 

The decisions of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 16 January 2023 numbered CAB 75 to CAB 79 (inclusive) are attached.

It was agreed that the decisions of the meeting held on, as detailed in decision numbers CAB 75 to CAB 79, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 

It was agreed that the order of business be varied so that Agenda Item 4 (Council Budget 2023/24 and Medium-Term Financial Plan 2023/24-2026/27) be considered after Agenda Items 5 (Fees and Charges 2023/24) and 6 (Review of On and Off-Street Parking Charges) as decisions taken on Fees and Charges and Parking Charges would affect the budget. 

To consider the attached report of the Strategic Director (Finance and Housing).

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Finance, Governance, Digital and Climate Change

It was agreed:

(a)  That the Fees and Charges (F&Cs) for 2023/24, as set out in Appendices 2.1 to 2.14, and 5.1 (except for the s.106 Monitoring Fee which has been approved by the Planning Committee) and 5.3, 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 made 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 F&Cs approved separately by the Licensing and Regulatory Committees, as set out in Appendices 3 and 4, be noted.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Commercial Services.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Transport, Licensing and Regulatory Services

It was agreed:

(a)  That the outcome of the annual review of parking charges be noted.

(b)  That the proposed parking charges set out at Appendix 1 of the report be approved, subject to the withdrawal of the proposal to introduce Sunday charging in car parks where it does not currently exist and the amendment of the per hour charge at St Margaret’s Bay to £1.80 for both cars and cars with a trailer or motorhome. 

(c)   That each of the Transport and Parking Services Manager and the Head of Commercial Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Transport, Licensing and Regulatory Services, be authorised to take all necessary legal and procedural processes to give effect to agreed recommendations as set out in Appendix 1, including the giving of notices and the making or amendment of any orders under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, and also the making of arrangements with the Dover Harbour Board pursuant to Section 33(4) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

To consider the report of the Strategic Director (Finance and Housing) (to follow).

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Finance, Governance, Digital and Climate Change

It was agreed:

(a)  That the General Fund Revenue Budget, the Capital and Special Projects Programmes, the Housing Revenue Account budget and the content of the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP), as proposed in Appendix 1 of the report, be forwarded to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for consideration.

(b)  That the increase in social and shared ownership rents be approved.

(c)   That the draft budget be placed on the Council’s website, to be available for comments.

(d)  That it be noted that the impact of the 2023 Business Rates revaluation of the General Fund funding is still being finalised.  Any changes will be reflected in adjustments to the use of the smoothing reserve in the final budget.

(e)  That it be noted that the remaining annexes, including the Council Tax Resolution and Treasury Management, Investment and Capital Strategies, will be added to the MTFP and other minor adjustments made before being presented to Council in March.

To consider the attached report of the Principal Heritage Officer. 

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Planning and Environment

It was agreed:

(a)  That the draft Dour Street, Dover Conservation Area Character Appraisal, as set out in Appendix 1, be published for public consultation for a period of 6 weeks.

(b)  That the Head of Planning and Development be authorised, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Environment, to make any necessary editorial changes to the appraisal to assist with clarity, consistency, explanation and presentation. 

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2000, the press and the public be excluded during consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

To consider the attached report of the Strategic Director (Place and Environment).

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Community and Corporate Property

It was agreed that the proposed variation to management fee arrangements in 2022/23 and 2023/4 between Places for People, Leisure Management Ltd and the Council for operating Dover District Leisure Centre be approved.

To consider the attached report of the Strategic Director (Place and Environment).

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Community and Corporate Property

It was agreed that the decision be deferred in order to obtain independent advice on the proposed agreement from a person with the appropriate expertise, and that a report presenting the findings be brought to Cabinet in due course.