Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 11, 2025

Purpose:

Content: The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Corporate Services and Chief Finance Officer, which sought to inform of the proposed Discretionary Fees and Charges for 2025/26, and those charges proposed to be exempt or different from the general 2% increase.   The report author was in attendance to present the information and to address the questions and the comments of the Cabinet Members.   The Senior Officer informed that the Discretionary Fees and Charges were reviewed on an annual basis. At Cabinet 27th August 2024 a 2% general increase in Discretionary Fees and Charges for 2025/26 had been agreed for consultation. Following consultation, the Discretionary Fees and Charges in the Music Service had been increased and some of the Town Hall charges had been updated to match the most recent Business Case.   Resolved: 1.    That, following consultation, the updated Discretionary Fees and Charges for 2025/26 be considered and recommended to Budget Council for approval, including: -       the charges exempt from the general 2% increase, as set out in paragraph 5.3 of the report; -       the different % increases, as set out in paragraph 5.4 of the report; -       the proposed new Discretionary Fees & Charges as set out in paragraph 5.5 of the report; 2.    That it be noted that a 1% change to the Discretionary Fees & Charges would mean an increase or decrease of £42k.   Reason for decision: Fees and charges were reviewed annually as part of the Council’s budget setting process. This ensured that they were set at the appropriate level for the prevailing economic conditions and represent good practice in terms of the Council’s aim to provide value for money.   Alternatives considered and rejected: The alternative was not to review or increase our fees and charges. This would potentially reduce the income available to the Council and make it more difficult to achieve a balanced budget.