Decision details

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Resources seeking Members’ review of the fees and charges policies that had been put forward by Officers prior to approval of the 2021 / 22 budget.

Appendix A to the report set out the current position for each fees and charges policy including any concessions being given, further financial information and comments.  The report highlighted a number of areas for consideration, including changes to and new policies.

It was noted that the detailed schedule of Fees and Charges would be reviewed based on policy decisions and this Committee would recommend to the Council the 2021 /22 Fees and Charges during the next cycle of meetings.  The 2021 / 22 income budget would be based on the recommended policy.

Members discussed the proposed Fees and Charges policies and in response to questions, Officers provided further clarification including the following:

·                 Wharfage fees – Members were advised that the fees had not been set for 2021 / 22 and this was the opportunity for Members’ to feed into that process.  It was noted that support had been offered to barge owners during the COVID-19 lockdown but this had not been taken up to date, however Officers continued to engage with them.  The Chairman suggested that a meeting with the barge owners, officers and Members could be arranged.

The Chairman advised that if setting up of a Finance Working Group was agreed later in this meeting, this was a matter that the Working Group could look at.

Councillor K M H Lagan requested it be minuted that Wharfage fees and possible discounts to these be considered by the Finance Member Working Group.

·                 Officers advised in applying the Council’s policies and fees to be set there would be opportunity to take into consideration any COVID implications.

·                 Schools were now charged for car parking permits and it was not proposed that this policy would change.

·                 In response to comments regarding the Promenade Park, Officers acknowledged the difficulties faced in this current financial year and the loss of income in relation to this.  Officers would continue to work to ensure the best possible income was achieved at the Park.

The Chairman then put the recommendation as set out in the report and this was duly agreed by assent.

RESOLVED that the Fees and Charges policies for 2021 / 22 (as set out in Appendix A to the report), be adopted for Officers to follow.