Issue - meetings

To consider and decide on the recommendations as set out in the associated report.

RESOLVED –

1. That the fees and charges set out in the report and the attached appendices be agreed.

2. That delegated authority be given to the s151 Officer to make any necessary amendments.

3. That the timings for the price increases to be implemented on 1 April 2023 or as indicated in the report be agreed.

REASON FOR DECISION:Securing revenue in line with the Medium-Term Financial Strategy remains vital to balancing the budget annually in order to support all of the services provided by the Council.

Councillor Christopher Hall, Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance introduced Jane Fineman, Head of Finance, Procurement and Parking who presented the report set out in the agenda.

Discussion and questions from Members included the following:

-       The report was discussed and reviewed at the Finance and Governance Cabinet Advisory Board and the recommendations were fully supported.

-       The continuation by Central Government to ask the Council to administer land charges and fees but receive very little renumeration for this service was completely inappropriate. 

-       The endorsement by the Cabinet Advisory Board was very welcome.

-       In May 2022 the deficit budget for next year (2023/24) was forecast at £2.6m.  This had now been reduced to £1.4m.

-       There was still some way to go to ensure Council services were protected.  It was therefore disappointing that the autumn statement made by Government (17 November 2022) made no mention of any funding to district councils to help provide services going forward. 

RESOLVED –

1. That the fees and charges set out in the report and the attached appendices be agreed.

2. That delegated authority be given to the s151 Officer to make any necessary amendments.

3. That the timings for the price increases to be implemented on 1 April 2023 or as indicated in the report be agreed.

REASON FOR DECISION:Securing revenue in line with the Medium-Term Financial Strategy remains vital to balancing the budget annually in order to support all of the services provided by the Council.

To consider and provide a recommendation to Cabinet on the proposals set out in the attached report.

Jane Fineman – Head of Finance, Procurement and Parking introduced the report set out in the agenda.

Discussion and questions from Members included the following:

-       Car Park payment machines were all now card only payments.  The car park in Southborough was the last car park to have a card only payment machine installed.  Once familiar with the machines, it should become easier to navigate.  There was an issue with the lighting which the Council agreed to investigate. 

-       It was unfortunate that there was little expenditure available for marketing the Community Centres within the Borough. It would be helpful to have some resources available as they were a valuable Community resource.

RESOLVED – That the recommendations to Cabinet as set out in the report be supported.