To seek approval for the revised charging and trading principles outlined in the report and the suggested approach for the development of associated targets for directorates.

THAT:

                     (a)          the set of revised charging principles included in the report be agreed; and

(b)             the implementation of any changes to fees and charges covered by the principles and policy direction, including those outlined in the report, be carried out under the overall scheme of delegation.

1              The council has a framework for its approach to charging.  These principles assist the setting of levels of fees and charges.

2              The 2012/13 budget, assumes decreased costs and subsidies as well as increased income.  This report sets out the resulting recommendations from the project established in 2011 which assessed what reasonable changes were possible in Herefordshire to meet the targets set out in the medium term financial strategy and to implement the charging principles agreed by Cabinet.

1              The council set the 2012/13 budget that included additional income and recovery targets.

2              This report outlines the implementation of the changes which will contribute to these targets.  Further opportunities for subsidy reduction or increased income are also outlined and these will be explored further.

3              The council has a published framework for its approach to charging.  This framework has informed the proposals set out in the report.