Decision Maker: Executive Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: January 22, 2026

Purpose:

Content: 1.      To note the current levels of individual budgeted fees and charges, and the issues specific to these. 2.      To approve an uplift in the Strawberry Fields service charge of £1 per square foot to better reflect the current costs incurred at the site, as detailed at point 23. Also to approve changes to virtual office charges as detailed. 3.      To approve an increase in Leisure fees and charges of 3.8% in relation to direct leisure charges in line with September CPI (rounded up to nearest 5p) or 4.5% for hire and food and beverage charges as per point 18 4.      To approve an uplift in the rents of all Council owned housing (including Extra Care properties, but excluding Cotswold House) of 4.8%. This is the approach agreed by Executive Cabinet in July 2022 of increasing these rents by CPI plus 1%, with CPI based on the published rate for September each year. 5.      To approve the changes in utility and service charges at Tatton Gardens and Primrose as per points 20 and 21. 6.      To approve an increase in the rent charged at Cotswold House of 4.8%, plus an increase in service charge at 3.5% and an increase in personal charge of 2.59% as detailed in point 22. Also to agree to these costs being mirrored for Gillibrand Street for the first 12 months given there is no previous cost history for this site. 7.      To approve a freeze in garden waste collection charges as per point 25. 8.      To approve minor uplifts in respect of CCTV admin fees, guest suites at Extra Care facilities, Digital Screen Advertising and online booking charges for Astley Hall as per point 24. 9.      To approve the revised Public Protection fees as per Appendix 2. A review of all charges has been undertaken it should be noted there has been a significant rise in costs of kennelling for stray dogs. As a result of the additional costs incurred by the council the full cost is now £322. It is proposed to increase the fee in a staged manner from the current £150 to £200 from 2026/27. 10.To approve a general increase of up to 3.8% in the fees for 2026/27 based on the rate of CPI in September 2025. An increase in costs may necessitate an increase in excess of 3.8% where these relate directly to the cost of products e.g. tea / coffee charges. These will be limited to a maximum increase of £1 per unit. It should be noted that this is a maximum increase and individual fees and charges in services may be frozen or inflated below this amount if appropriate. The generic rise links to limited income amounts in some instances where a more tailored uplift can be appropriate.