Decisions

*RESOLVED –

1.    That an increase of 3% be introduced from 1 April 2021 for:

·      the hire of pitches for football;

·      the hire of recreation grounds and community rooms in parks; and

·      to the ground rent charge for circus, funfairs and one off events.

2.    That the arrangements for the hire of bowling greens, tennis courts and cricket pitches be reviewed in line with current lease arrangements.

3.    That there be no increase in ticket prices for the miniature railway (currently £2 for an individual or £5 for a family ticket).

4.    That the Environmental Services Manager, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, be granted delegated authority to adjust the approved fees and charges to maximise promotional opportunities to stimulate usage, support the retention of customers and/or to respond to external market forces.

REASON FOR DECISIONS

To comply with the Council’s Budget Strategy.

*RESOLVED –

1.    That the Staveley Town Investment Plan submitted to the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 11 December, 2020 be noted and endorsed.

2.    That the proposed allocation of resources to fund a masterplan review for Staveley Town Centre be noted and endorsed.

3.    That the role which Chesterfield Borough Council will play throughout the 5 year Town Deal programme as the accountable body for the Towns Fund allocated to Staveley be noted.

REASON FOR DECISIONS

To ensure that Cabinet is aware of the work underway within the Town Deal programme and the role that Chesterfield Borough Council will play as the accountable body for future funding within that programme.

*RESOLVED –

1.    That the proposed fees and charges for the council’s cemeteries, as detailed in Appendix A of the officer’s report, be approved and implemented from 1 April, 2021.

2.    That the Bereavement Services Manager be granted delegated authority to reduce the fees and charges where appropriate.

REASON FOR DECISIONS

To generate income to contribute to the costs of providing and maintaining a burial service.

*RESOLVED –

1.    That the proposed fees and charges, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the officer’s report, be approved and implemented from 1 April, 2021.

2.    That the Environmental Services Manager, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, be granted delegated authority to adjust the approved fees and charges to maximise promotional opportunities to stimulate usage, support the retention of customers and/or to respond to external market forces.

REASON FOR DECISIONS

To comply with the Council’s Budget Strategy.

*RESOLVED –

1.    That the proposed fees and charges, as detailed in Appendix 2 of the officer’s report, be approved and implemented from 1 April, 2021 until 31 March, 2022.

2.    That the Service Director – Leisure, Culture and Community Wellbeing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, be granted delegated authority to apply appropriate fees and charges to new activities that are introduced during the period covered by this report.

3.    That the Service Director – Leisure, Culture and Community Wellbeing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, be granted delegated authority to adjust the approved fees and charges to maximise promotional opportunities to stimulate usage, support the retention of customers and/or to respond to external market forces.

REASON FOR DECISIONS

In accordance with the Council’s Financial Regulations, it is necessary for all fees and charges to be reviewed annually.

*RESOLVED –

1.    That the proposed fees and charges, including concessionary rates (where applicable), as detailed in Appendix 1 of the officer’s report, be approved and implemented from 1 April, 2021.

2.    That the Senior Environmental Health Officer be granted delegated authority to have discretion to offer reduced charges for micro-chipping of dogs at promotional events and campaigns associated with the mandatory chipping that came into effect in April 2016.

3.    That the Senior Environmental Health Officer be granted delegated authority to offer an alternative enforcement option, which could include a caution or prosecution, for fly-tipping offences instead of issuing a fixed penalty notice.

REASON FOR DECISIONS

In accordance with the Council’s Financial Regulations, it is necessary for all fees and charges to be reviewed annually.

*RESOLVED –

1.    That the updated budget projections for 2020/21 and future years, as detailed in Appendix A of the officer’s report, recognising the difficulty of producing accurate estimates in the current climate and the continued risks associated with these budget estimates, be noted.

2.    That work continues to refine the draft estimates for 2020/21 and future years and to develop budget saving proposals to address the forecast deficits from 2021/22.

3.    That the changes to budget assumptions outlined in paragraph 7.3 of the officer’s report be approved.

REASON FOR DECISIONS

To keep Members informed about the council’s current financial standing, the budget estimates for 2020/21 and 2021/22 and the latest medium term financial forecasts.

*RESOLVED –

1.    That there be no increase in the fees and charges for car parks for 2021/22.

2.    That tariffs be reviewed for 2022/23.

3.    That all residents of the Borough will continue to benefit from free parking in 2021/22 before 10am and after 3pm Monday to Saturday and all-day Sunday, and Bank Holidays at selected surface car parks using the Resident Parking Scheme.

4.    That the Service Director for Leisure, Culture and Community Wellbeing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy, be granted delegated authority to apply appropriate negotiated fees for new activities and opportunities that are introduced or arise during the period covered by this report.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS

1.    The 2020/21 Car Park Fees and Charges report notes that if the income target for 2020/21 is achieved then there will be no increase in tariffs for 2021/22 and a review will be made for 2022/23. As there has been limited opportunity to achieve any meaningful income comparison it is felt that the fees and charges review for 2021/22 should take this into consideration and the next review made for 2022/23.

2.    The impact of COVID-19 has significantly reduced car park income since March 2020 and continues to do so. Visitor, shopper and worker numbers to the town centre are directly impacting on car park utilisation and income generation.

3.    Although the income target will not be achieved for 2020/21 to increase any fees for parking could further exacerbate parking uptake and damage the Council’s reputation in relation to bringing footfall safely back to the town centre.

*RESOLVED –

1.    That there be no increase to the fees and charges for Chesterfield’s open markets and Sunday Car Boot sale for 2021/22.

2.    That, as part of the market reconfiguration project being undertaken in 2021, the pricing structures be reviewed to identify the premium and secondary pitches, follow best practice adopted nationally and ensure a value for money approach is taken to realise the full income potential of the market.

3.    That the Service Director for Leisure, Culture and Community Wellbeing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy, be granted delegated authority to apply appropriate fees and charges to new activities that are introduced during the period covered by this report; and to also negotiate pitch fees to support individual traders by responding to external forces that may impact directly on trading as well as initiatives to support new and start-up traders.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS

1.    The impact of COVID-19 has significantly reduced market income since March 2020 and continues to do so. Visitor, shopper and worker numbers to the town centre are directly impacting market occupancy, utilisation and income generation. Footfall in the town centre is significantly reduced and, trading opportunities are therefore greatly weakened.

2.    Trader numbers have steadily improved since 15 June when non- essential retailers could return to the market, however the market is fragile and trader morale and confidence is extremely low. The second national lockdown from 5 November to 2 December only further exacerbated the situation.

3.    In line with delegated authority, and with both Cabinet Member and SLT approval, concessionary rates for Traders have been in place since 23 March, initially free rent until July, £5 until September and currently £10, all per stall, across all market days. This is under continuous review but is deemed necessary to support the market.

4.    Whilst many of the Traders have been able to obtain financial assistance through the Discretionary Grant Scheme a significant number do not qualify for any assistance, as they do not meet the criteria required to apply. The Council continues to support the traders through targeted marketing schemes and infrastructure investment, including shop local, Christmas lights and Christmas promotional activity, all aimed at driving footfall safely into the town centre.

5.    Although income will not be achieved for 2020/21, to increase any fees for markets could further exacerbate market occupancy and damage the council’s reputation in relation to bringing footfall safely back to the town centre.

*RESOLVED –

1.    That the proposed theatre hire charges for the Pomegranate Theatre, as detailed in Appendix A of the officer’s report, be approved and implemented from 1 April, 2021.

2.    That the proposed room hire charges for The Winding Wheel Theatre, as detailed in Appendix B of the officer’s report, be approved and implemented from 1 April, 2021.

3.    That the proposed equipment hire charges at The Winding Wheel Theatre, as detailed in Appendix B of the officer’s report, be approved and implemented from 1 April, 2021.

4.    That the proposed theatre hire charges for The Winding Wheel Theatre for professional companies and commercial use, as detailed in Appendix C of the officer’s report, be approved and implemented from 1 April, 2021.

5.    That the proposed room hire charges at the Assembly Rooms in the Market Hall, as detailed in Appendix D of the officer’s report, be approved and implemented from 1 April, 2021.

6.    That the proposed room hire charges at Hasland Village Hall, as detailed in Appendix E of the officer’s report, be approved and implemented from 1 April, 2021.

REASON FOR DECISIONS

To make further progress towards a sustainable financial position for the venues.