Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate / Director of Corporate Services that detailed the proposed Discretionary Fees and Charges for 2024/25 as a basis for consultation and listed the charges which were proposed to be exempt or different from the general 5% increase.

Resolved

1. That the updated Discretionary Fees and Charges for 2024/25, as a basis for consultation be approved.

2. That it be noted that a 1% change to the Discretionary Fees and Charges would mean an increase or decrease of £40k. Any change to the % increase could be considered as part of the consultation.

3. That the charges exempt from the general 5% increase, as set out in paragraph 5.3 of the report be approved.

4. That the different % increases, as set out in paragraph 5.4 of the report be approved.

5. That the proposed new Discretionary Fees and Charges, as set out in paragraph 5.5 of the report be approved.

Reason for decision

The fees and charges set out in the report had been proposed by each Directorate, taking into account the 5% general uplift in Discretionary Fees and Charges. It was recommended that no uplift be applied to the fees and charges detailed in paragraph 5.3 of the report.

It was recommended that the fees and charges in paragraph 5.4 were uplifted by the amounts stated in the report. It was also recommended that the new fees and charges in paragraph 5.5 of the report be approved for consultation.

Alternatives considered

Not to review or increase fees and charges – this option was not recommended as it would potentially reduce the income available to the Council and make it more difficult to achieve a balanced budget.