The Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, Financial Strategy, Budget and Business Plan presented a report by the Head of Finance, Governance and Assurance (Section 151 Officer) on the level of fees and charges to be applied in 2017/18.

RECOMMENDED:

i)             That the breakdown of the total income for 2016/17 and 2017/18 be noted and in particular that the proposed 2017/18 charges for discretionary services represent only £33.433m of the £73.466m of income derived from Fees and Charges.

ii)            That the charges for 2017/18 be recommended to Council as detailed in Appendix 3 to be implemented 1 April 2017, recognising that managers have proposed varying policies for 2017/18.

iii)           That as previously agreed, it be noted that any changes to fees and charges proposed by Shropshire Community Leisure Trust Ltd. in relation to the outsourced leisure facilities will only be referred to Cabinet and Council for approval if the proposed increases exceed Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the preceding November.

iv)           That, subject to restrictions or exemptions identified in the Welfare Reform and Work Bill, it is recommended to Council that: 

·         Social Housing rents for 2017/18 are reduced by 1% from 3rd April 2017.

·         Affordable rents for 2017/18 are reduced by 1% from 3rd April 2017.

·         Shared Ownership rents continue to be set at 2.75% of the outstanding capital value of the home at the time of sale and thereafter increased each April by the greater of the preceding September Consumer Price Index plus 1% or 1%.

·         Service charges continue to be set on the basis of actual cost.