Agenda item

*RESOLVED –

1.   That the charges set out in Appendix A of the officer’s report be approved and implemented for the financial year 2016/17.

2.   That the Interim Environmental Services Manager, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing be authorised to revise the approved Fees and Charges where threats to income generation emerge and/or opportunities to raise additional income arise, when they are in line with the Council’s general principles for charging.

The interim Environmental Services Manager submitted a report recommending for approval the proposed fees and charges for Outdoor Recreation facilities to take effect from 1 April, 2016.

The fees and charges proposals had taken into account:

·        The need for the Council to achieve a balanced budget.

·        The fees and charges structures of other local public and private sector providers.

·        The ability of all customers to pay in the current economic climate, and the demand for facilities.

·        The need to address health inequalities across the borough, and to encourage young people to participate in sporting activities.

The option of introducing lower increases was ruled out as the proposed increases in the charges were required to deliver a balanced and sustainable budget. An option of introducing a significantly greater increase in the charges was ruled out as there would have been a risk in terms of putting off potential customers, harming the council’s finances, as well as negatively impacting on local sports teams.

*RESOLVED –

1.   That the charges set out in Appendix A of the officer’s report be approved and implemented for the financial year 2016/17.

2.   That the Interim Environmental Services Manager, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing be authorised to revise the approved Fees and Charges where threats to income generation emerge and/or opportunities to raise additional income arise, when they are in line with the Council’s general principles for charging.