Councillor Hebb introduced the report and stated that it outlined the services provided by the Council and the associated costs for 2020/21, as well as the proposed price changes and removed charges. He stated that the fees and charges outlined in the report helped the Council to meet its long-term financial plan, and was an amalgamation of hard work across every directorate in the Council. He stated that the proposed fees and charges had been benchmarked on market prices, and the market would continue to be analysed throughout the year to ensure balance. He commented that this report updated the Cabinet on specific fees and charges, and ensured that no department ran at a loss.

The Leader invited Councillor Rigby to speak on the discussions held at Cleaner, Greener and Safer (CGS) Overview and Scrutiny, as she had been the Vice-Chair in the Chair for the meeting that discussed the proposed fees and charges. Councillor Rigby explained how officers had outlined the changes that were proposed to fees and charges under the remit of CGS Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and all recommendations had been agreed. She highlighted that some Members of the Committee had felt concern regarding the increase of charges relating to sport, but that it had been explained to them as necessary to allow the department to be cost-neutral, and discounts were available to those that met certain criteria. She summarised and stated that no other issues had been raised.

The Leader thanked Councillor Rigby for her feedback, and felt that it was good to see Overview and Scrutiny understand the reasons for fees and charges increases to ensure cost neutrality. He added that the Council had a duty to supply services to residents, and this report would ensure that residents paid a fair price for those services. Councillor Huelin highlighted the fee increase for hiring rooms in libraries, and other commercial rents, but assured residents that community groups and charities would pay a lower fee. She added that Health and Wellbeing groups and the theatre would also pay lower fees.

Councillor Watkins thanked Councillor Rigby for her feedback and stated that he understood the concern of the Committee regarding the sport fee increase. He commented that this increase would be a phased approach over a number of years, and the Council would work with groups and users to monitor the impact. He stated that the Council had to ensure cost neutrality, but also had to ensure services could continue to be supplied, and would receive the necessary upkeep. Councillor Watkins added that a new sport and leisure policy was currently being developed which would show the Council’s commitment to sport across the borough. He also mentioned the new enforcement charges that were being added in this report, such as to tackle engine idling, which would improve air quality across the borough. He stated that the officers tackling engine idling would use a considered approach, and would focus on areas where drivers tended to idle, such as outside schools and at railway crossings. Councillor Watkins added that this would also help to reduce climate change. He summarised and highlighted less visible fees such as charges for people dumping refuse into sewers, as although this could appear a small problem, he felt that enforcement of this fee could help keep the borough clean and tidy.

The Leader highlighted Councillor Watkins point that engine idling enforcement would be tackled using a focussed approach, and signs would go up in places such as bus stations and town centres where idling was common. He stated that the Council were working hard to move towards being cost neutral, and this report would help with that. He added that fees could fluctuate during the year.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

1. Agreed the proposed fees and charges, including those no longer applicable as per Appendices 1 and 2.

2. Approved delegated authority to allow Fees and Charges to be varied within a financial year in response to commercial requirements, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Finance, Governance and Property, and the relevant Portfolio Holder.

3. Noted the feedback from all Overview and Scrutiny Committee meetings.

Reason for decision: as outlined in the report
This decision is subject to call-in