Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Service Manager for Commercial and Procurement.

The committee received and considered a report and presentation of the Service Manager Commercial and Procurement with regard to the development of a new Fees and Charges Policy to provide a consistent approach in setting, monitoring, and reviewing fees and charges, and applied to fees and charges for discretionary services and trading activities across the Council.

Councillors considered the issues arising from the report and during discussion, the following points were raised:

·         The requirement to undertake regular price reviews was noted and the assumption that fees and charges would be increased each year based on a reasonable level of inflation.  Members considered the definition of ‘reasonable’ and it was suggested that the wording should be amended to state that increases to fees and charges were made following reasoned and careful consideration

·         There was discretion to increase charges above inflation in some service areas and to undercharge in others and this was clearly set out in the policy

·         The role for portfolio holders should be clearly stated throughout the policy

·         The policy to include reference to fees and charges reflecting officer skills and the provision of high value services

·         The issue of fees and charges being used to subsidise other areas and groups of people was considered

·         In respect of fees and charges for discretionary services, there needed to be awareness of the range of items that the council charged for in different ways.  This should be reflected in the wording of the policy

·         Issues around the Equality Impact Assessment were considered

·         The schedule of rates allowed for comparison with other councils

·         Opportunities for the council to be more competitive in some areas were considered and it was noted that the policy provided the platform to further consider these issues

·         Thoughtful communication with town and parish councils around the policy was required

·         Each price area was considered on a case-by-case basis and took into account local circumstances

·         Support was expressed for a review of the policy by the Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee, after one year of operation, to include a review of the application of subsidies.

Recommendation

That the proposed Fees and Charges Policy be considered and approved by Cabinet (date 23^rd January 2023), with the comments of the Place and Resources Overview Committee, as set out above.