That the schedule of fees and charges, as set out in Appendix A to the report, to be effective from the dates listed on the schedule be approved. 

The Executive considered a report setting out the proposed schedule of fees and charges which were in the main to be enacted from 1 December 2017.  Changes to People’s Services Sports and Housing charges would come into effect from 1 January 2018 and 1 April 2018 respectively.

The Deputy Executive Member for Finance advised Members that most of the charges had increased by inflation and the increases were in line with RPI at July 2017.  Additionally the charges had been benchmarked against other authorities and realigned where appropriate.  Councillor Margetts stated that given the current financial climate the increases were necessary as they would generate an additional £60k per year for the council tax payer.

Following a query Councillor Margetts confirmed that the proposed estates winding up fees, which were currently charged on an hourly basis, were intended to have a clearer fixed charge which would be more transparent and easier to follow.  This charge was also in accordance with charges made by other local authorities.

With regard to the planning application fees, and the fact that they were capped at 51 units, Councillor Ashwell queried whether this was sufficient.  The Executive Member for Planning stated that he would look into this matter as there may be a possibility of introducing higher bands.  Councillor Weeks also believed that for very large applications bespoke fees were agreed because of the sheer scale and considerable time that could be spent on the pre-application work that was required.

RESOLVED:   That the schedule of fees and charges, as set out in Appendix A to the report, to be effective from the dates listed on the schedule, be approved.