Report of the Executive Director, Resources is attached

Contact:  James Walton.  Tel. 01743 258915

It was proposed by Councillor Gwilym Butler, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Corporate Resources and Communities and seconded by Councillor Claire Wild that the report of the Executive Director of Resources, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

Councillor Andrew Sherrington suggested that a charge out rate for Social Care ICT equipment expertise could be levied.  It was suggested that he contact the Portfolio Holder for Social Care/Executive Director directly regarding this so they can provide a response directly.

Councillor Heather Kidd commented that some fees were capped which meant that it was not possible to get full cost recovery and asked could the Council lobby Central Government for the removal of such caps

RESOLVED: 

That Council

               i.        Note the breakdown of the total income for 2023/24 and 2024/25 and in particular that the proposed 2024/25 charges for discretionary services represent £52.822m of the £98.525m of income derived from Fees and Charges.

              ii.        To approve the charges for 2024/25 as detailed in Appendix 3 to be implemented from 1 April 2024.

             iii.        To note that as previously agreed, 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.        To note that the proposals to increase car parking fees and charges (arising from the traffic management policies and strategies of the Council) further to the recent decision of Cabinet has been called in for further scrutiny by Councillors. This report does not supersede the call-in process; rather, the outcome of the call in process will determine the eventual charges to be levied in 2024/25.

             v.         To note that proposals in adult social care services for applying charges for telecare services and appointeeships are new proposals and will require further discussion and consultation. Proposed charges will be set on a ‘cost recovery’ basis, in line with best practice in other councils.

            vi.        To revise housing rents as follows (subject to restrictions or exemptions identified in the Welfare Reform and Work Bill)

a)    Social Housing rents for 2024/25 are increased by 7.7% from 3rd April 2024.

b)    Affordable rents for 2024/25 are increased by 7.7% from 3rd April 2024.

c)    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 in accordance with the terms specified in the lease agreements.

d)    All accommodation charges for 2024/25 are increased by 7.7% from 3rd April 2024.

e)    Service charges continue to be set on the basis of actual cost

              vii.        To review the total estimated income from different fees and charges items, to identify which items generate the most income, and to consider whether the benchmarking already undertaken for those sources of income is placing the council in the upper quartile for charges, based on comparison with similar local authorities