Issue - meetings

Key Decision

Councillor David Martin – Deputy Leader and Executive Lead Member for Finance, Revenues and Benefits

Cabinet was requested to review its fees and charges as part of setting its annual budget and having considered levels of service demand, inflation and how fees and charges in Ashfield compare with neighbouring councils.  In relation to the proposed 5% increase for pre HMO visits and licences, it was suggested that a more appropriate charge would be in the region of 10% or the rate of inflation, whichever is the higher.

Members considered the alternative options as presented in the report for each service area.

RESOLVED that

a)    the Fees & Charges for 2023/24, as outlined at Appendix 1, be approved subject to the percentage increase for pre HMO visits and licences being raised by 10% as opposed to the proposed 5% increase as presented;

b)    all applicable increases to take effect as soon as practically possible after 1 April 2023.

Reasons:

Additional income generated will help towards meeting the inflationary costs of service provision, as well as contributing towards the Council’s saving targets and continuing to support the financing of a range of services to Ashfield residents and businesses. In addition, an annual review of Fees and

Charges is part of sound financial management practice and a requirement of the Council’s Financial Regulations.