Decision details

Approval of fees and charges for 2016/17 and consider budget proposals for 2016/17.

Matter for Decision

The report detailed the budget proposals relating to the Communities portfolio that were included in the Budget-Setting Report (BSR) 2016/17.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Communities

Review of Charges:

       i.          Approved the proposed charges for this portfolio’s services and facilities, as shown in Appendix A to the Officer’s report and subject to Junior swimming charges being £2.35 (P27 & 28 Appendix A).

Revenue:

     ii.          Considered the revenue budget proposals as shown in Appendix B.

Capital:

   iii.          Considered the capital budget proposals as shown in Appendix C.

   iv.          Agreed to adjust capital funding for item 2c (iii above).

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Principal Accountant (Services).

The Executive Councillor for Communities referred to P27 & 28 Appendix A of the supplemental second circulation paper. He proposed to reduce the Junior swimming charge from the proposed £2.40 back to £2.35 as on reflection it was felt this was more appropriate than the £2.40 figure proposed by GLL (contractor). This was to bring the percentage increase for the Junior swimming charge into line with the average proposed increase across all the other non-commercial fees and charges.

Councillor O’Connell sought clarification regarding GLL charges as set out on P28 & 29 of the Officer’s report. The Head of Communities, Arts and Recreation said the report reflected proposed savings, fees and charges. All swimming sites would be retained by the City Council.

Councillors requested a change to P27 & 28 Appendix A of the supplemental second circulation paper (as referenced in recommendation 2a. Councillor Sinnott formally proposed to amend the increase to Junior swimming charges from the proposed £2.40 back to £2.35.

The Committee unanimously approved this amendment, and that recommendation 2a would become:

a) Approve the proposed charges for this portfolio’s services and facilities, as shown in Appendix A to this report and subject to Junior swimming charges being £2.35 (P27 & 28 Appendix A).

The Committee resolved by 5 votes to 0 to endorse the recommendations as amended.

The Executive Councillor approved the revised recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.