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.

The Cabinet Member Corporate Services and Education presented the report to Cabinet and the following points were made in discussion:

·         Herefordshire was in the lower quartile for cost recovery. Officers were looking at ways to increase the percentage of cost recovery achieved.

·         Thanks were expressed to Councillor Harvey as the Overview and Scrutiny Vice-Chairman chairing the Task and Finish Group looking into fees and charges.

·         Cabinet was informed of the government proposal to give local authorities the power to levy a charge on any company requiring to dig up the roads between the hours of 6.00 am and 6.00 pm to minimise the inconvenience to the public.

·         In referring to car parking charges the Cabinet Member, Environment, Housing and Planning requested the review of car parking charges to include on and off street car parking charges.  It was confirmed that the six month review was due to commence shortly and would include extensive consultation.

·         The Chairman of the Task and Finish Group drew Cabinet’s attention to the report of the Task and Finish Group which contained a number of recommendations and highlighted areas of concern. 

·         There was concern that consultants Price, Waterhouse, Cooper had been asked to carry out a similar piece of work to the Task and Finish Group.

·         Cabinet was informed that there would be a formal response by the Executive to the report and recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Task and Finish Group.

RESOLVED

              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 this report, be carried out under the overall scheme of delegation.