Issue - meetings

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Carbon Reduction, which sought approval of proposed increases in fees and charges for 2013/14 as set out in the appendices to the report.

An additional Appendix (10) was circulated to Members on 13 December 2012, detailing the fee for the Meals on Wheels Service. Whilst the fee was referred to in the main body of the report (paragraph 7.4.1) it was considered appropriate to set out the fee clearly in an Appendix, as had been done in respect of all other fees considered by the Cabinet. This was to enable the Cabinet to agree the Fees and Charges as set out within the appendices to the report. 

RESOLVED:

1. That it be agreed that a general increase of 3% was applied to Fees and Charges levied by the Council with effect from 1 April 2013, subject to an Equalities Impact Assessment being carried out where appropriate and any subsequent changes then required being delegated to the relevant Director, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member.

2. That the approach for those services, set out in the report, where a different rate other that the general increase is proposed, with effect from 1 April 2013 be agreed, subject to an equalities impact assessment being carried out where appropriate and any subsequent changes then required being delegated to the relevant Director, in consultation with the appropriate Cabinet Member.

3. That it be agreed that the estimated additional income arising from the increases in Fees and Charges as set out the report, amounting to £340k, be reflected within the Council’s 2013/14 budget and Medium Term Financial Planning documents.

Alternative Options Considered

The report proposes a range of alternative approaches dependent on particular services and relevant factors. As such a range of alternative options ranging from no increase to differentiated rates of inflationary increases were considered and reflected in the report.

Reasons for Decision

It is a requirement to review Fees and Charges annually. The financial position that the Council finds itself in supports the view that levels of fees and charges should be maximised taking into account all relevant factors including the effect on service users and any consequent demand for services.