Agenda item

To consider the decision of the Cabinet for the proposed Fees and Charges for the financial year 2026/27, covering both the General Fund (GF) (some commencing in January 2026) and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).

Notice of Decisions to follow in separate document.

The Assistant Director Finance gave an update on the proposed Fees and Charges for the financial year 2026/27, covering both the General Fund (GF) (some commencing in January 2026) and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).

Members were advised that the Council’s 2026/27 Fees and Charges proposals formed a key part of the financial strategy to address ongoing budget pressures and supported the sustainability of vital services for the community.  The charges were informed by inflationary pressures, service cost recovery, and benchmarking, and were reviewed by the cross-party Council’s Financial Security Group (CFSG), with the majority of proposals receiving unanimous support.

A Member expressed concern that although fees and charges had increased generally just above 3%, the first hour for car park charges had increased by 20% from £1 to £1.20.

Officers advised that there was a wide differential between car parking prices across the Town and would collate comparative figures across these car parks and also those in neighbouring authorities.  It was suggested that if the Member’s concerns still persisted once the detailed costings had been shared, the option of bringing forward an alternative budget proposal relating to car parking charges was available to Members during the upcoming budget process.

The Committee noted the decision of the Cabinet.