Issue - meetings

A report providing information and proposals on the various fees and charges that the Council sets covering General Fund services both general and special expenses and Housing Revenue Account services for the 2025-26 financial year.

Cabinet

1)    APPROVED the proposed fees and charges for 2025-26 as outlined in the attached appendices A-E with the exception of those relating to catering at Gretton Court which are delegated to the Director for Housing and Communities in consultation with the Director for Corporate Services and Portfolio Holder for Housing, Leisure and Landlord Services.

2)    DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Director for Growth and Regeneration (or the Director of Place and Prosperity once commenced) to undertake the necessary legal steps to finalise the introduction of the updated car parking charges to take effect as soon as practically possible.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources, Councillor Cox, introduced the report. Cox moved the recommendations and Glancy seconded the motion.

Councillor Cox informed Members that in respect of catering provision at Gretton Court, Cabinet are minded to cap the increase to midday meals for tenants at 10% for 2025/26 and to remodel the costs of meals provided to non-tenants and lunch clubs. This is aimed to support vulnerable tenants with costs pressures. The modelling and implications arising would be managed under delegation as outlined in the amended recommended.

During the debate the following comments were made:

·       The Leader noted that the Council are not currently introducing fees on free car parks throughout the Borough.

·       Members acknowledged that, unlike other Districts, the Council are not charging for parking on evenings or Sundays and are not charging blue badge holders.

·       Cabinet welcomed the balanced approach to Gretton Court.

RESOLVED

Cabinet

1)    APPROVED the proposed fees and charges for 2025-26 as outlined in the attached appendices A-E with the exception of those relating to catering at Gretton Court which are delegated to the Director for Housing and Communities in consultation with the Director for Corporate Services and Portfolio Holder for Housing, Leisure and Landlord Services.

2)    DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Director for Growth and Regeneration (or the Director of Place and Prosperity once commenced) to undertake the necessary legal steps to finalise the introduction of the updated car parking charges to take effect as soon as practically possible.

(Key decision)

Reason for recommendations

To agree changes to the Council’s fees and charges to operate from 1st April 2025 with the exception of car parking which is to be applied as soon as practically possible once the relevant legal and practical steps have been undertaken.