Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Resources, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Resources that reviewed the fees and charges policies that had been put forward by officers: prior to the approval of the 2023 / 24 budget and updated Medium Term Financial Strategy.

The Chairman introduced the report and deferred to the Director of Resources to present the detail.  He advised that the report set out the direction of travel which will come back to Members for final approval.  The table at paragraph 3.3 set out the proposed changes to the policy.

The Chairman moved the recommendation, seconded by Councillor Durham and opened the discussion.

A lengthy debate ensued regarding a number of issues.  Some Members felt that reporting the high level principle of the policy at this stage followed by the detailed report at the next meeting was possibly counterintuitive.  This was of particular concern in relation to the changes to car parking and wharfage charges as it was felt there was not enough information at this point to make those type of decisions.  It was also noted that all businesses were under pressure and it was important not to discriminate. However there was concern that should the recommendation not be referred to Council at this juncture, it would adversely impact on budget preparation.

Following discussion on an amended proposal the Chairman proposed that the 2023/24 Fees and Charges Policies attached at Appendix A be approved, subject to the provision of further information regarding wharfage and car parking charges.  This was seconded by Councillor Durham.  A recorded vote was requested by Councillor Lagan duly seconded by Councillor Stamp and the results were as follow:-

For the Proposal

Councillors M S Bassenger, Mrs P A Channer, M F L Durham, A S Fluker, N G F Shaughnessy, C Swain and Mrs M E Thompson.

Against the Proposal

Councillors K M H Lagan and W Stamp.

Abstentions

None

RECOMMENDED that the2023/ 24Fees and Charges Policies attachedat

APPENDIXA be approved,subject tothe provision of furtherinformation

regardingwharfageandcar parkingcharges.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources, (copy enclosed).