Report no: 05/2021

(Key decision)

1.    Cabinet approved the level of fees and charges for 2021/22 as set out in Appendices 1-4 of the report.

2.    Cabinet noted that taxi and private hire vehicle licenses fees would be subject to change based on the outcome of forthcoming consultation through a public notice procedure and be brought back for approval following that consultation.

3.    Cabinet noted that weekly Residential Home Care rates are subject to a separate report.

Councillor Stephenson, having declared an interest, withdrew from the meeting.

Councillor G Brown as the relevant Cabinet Member elaborated on the report and noted that a detailed schedule of all fees and charges was provided at Appendix 1 of the report. It was explained that fees and charges represented a significant source of finance for the Council, receiving approximately £4 million from fees and charges each year. It is important that fees and charges are set at an appropriate level so as to recover costs. Councillor G Brown referred to the increase in green waste charge, which had not increased since 2017. It was reported that there had been a significant reduction in printing costs and no increases were currently being proposed for parking tariffs, pending the parking strategy review in the spring. With regards to legal costs, it was explained that the Council charged £85 per hour and was applied in relation to any matters that require legal advice and can be recharged to customers in 2020/21. There has been no use of this charge in 2020/21 and it was proposed to continue with that level of charge in 2021/22.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet recommend to Council to approve:

1.    the level of fees and charges for 2021/22 as set out in Appendices 1-4 of the report be approved.

2.    that taxi and private hire vehicle licenses fees would be subject to change based on the outcome of forthcoming consultation through a public notice procedure and be brought back for approval following that consultation.

3.    that weekly Residential Home Care rates would be subject to a separate report.

Councillor Stephenson re-joined the meeting.