Agenda item

To consider the decision of the Cabinet for a report seeking approval for the proposed Fees and Charges for the 2027/28 financial year, covering services within both the General Fund (GF) and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).

Notice of Decisions to follow in separate document.

The Committee received an update on the proposed fees and charges for 2027/28, which formed part of the Council’s annual budget-setting process and covered both the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA).

The proposed changes were expected to generate approximately £240,000 in additional General Fund income, representing an increase of just under 2%, and £12,000 for the HRA, an increase of approximately 1.56%. These increases were below the latest Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate of 3.1%.

A number of charges were proposed to remain unchanged, including off-street parking for up to one hour, on-street town centre parking, trade waste and selected season tickets. The additional General Fund income would help address the projected £350,000 budget gap for 2027/28 identified in the Medium-Term Financial Strategy presented to Cabinet in September.

Members questioned why the fees and charges proposals had not been considered through the Financial Security Group. It was noted that arrangements were now being made for the Group to consider capital bids and undertake further work on the budget.

Members questioned the differences in on-street parking permit charges between areas, and questioned whether the cost of additional permits could be increased. Officers response explained that permit schemes were based on cost recovery, and were not intended to generate a profit. It was further noted that Officers regularly reviewed permit arrangements and Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) where parking was causing local issues.

Questions were raised whether a licensing fee could be introduced for the use of Council grass verges to store construction materials for extended periods. Officers confirmed that this suggestion would be considered with the relevant services to establish whether a charge could be introduced.

Members asked whether consideration had been given to introducing a short period of free parking in the town centre and old town car parks to encourage visits and support local businesses. Officers explained that providing one hour of free parking would result in an estimated loss of approximately £433,000 in income. It was emphasised that parking charges were intended to help balance the Council’s budget and fund services that did not generate income, rather than to maximise commercial returns.

Members discussed the proposal for a free hour of parking at Westgate and whether Westgate representations had been fully considered. Officers confirmed that discussions had been ongoing since July, but the examples given did not include sufficient evidence to demonstrate the benefits of the proposal. Officers had assessed the potential costs and wider impact of introducing free parking, including the displacement of vehicles from other town centre car parks. It was noted that the matter would be discussed further at a meeting with Westgate in November.

Officers advised that a free parking trial would require evidence of its benefits and long-term affordability, noting that research did not consistently show increased local spending. The proposed 2027/28 charges aimed to balance the Council’s budget while limiting increases where possible. Officers also highlighted ongoing partnership work with Westgate, including environmental improvements, the £1 million investment in the centre and opportunities to encourage college students to spend locally.

Members suggested exploring a scheme offering free parking to customers spending a specified amount at town centre businesses. Officers noted that any scheme would need to be fair, consider potential legal implications and be explored through town centre partnership discussions.

In response to a question about the principles guiding decisions on which charges to freeze or increase, officers explained that different considerations applied to different services. This included cost recovery, competition with the private sector, and the current cost-of-living.

Discussions took place regarding the impact of larger vehicles on parking capacity and suggested that free bus passes could provide an alternative way of supporting town centre access and wider Council objectives. It was noted that bus passes were the responsibility of the County Council, rather than the Borough Council.

It was RESOLVED that the Committee noted the decisions of Cabinet.