Issue - decisions

Decision of:

Councillor Blencowe. Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Transport

Reference:

18/URGENCY/P&T/5

Date of decision:                             

28/08/18

Recorded on: 

28/08/18

Decision Type:

Non Key

Matter for Decision:

Reduction in charges for ShopMobility annual membership and scooter hire

Why the decision had to be made (and any alternative options):

Charges for ShopMobility for annual membership fee and daily scooter/wheelchair hire were part of the council’s 2018 budget and were introduced on 8^th May 2018. As was stated in February 2018 and at subsequent council meetings, the new charges were accompanied by a commitment to monitor the effect of the charges on usage.

The monitoring report, based on the sound evidence provided by three months data has indicated a 65% reduction in usage of the services over the period to date against a forecast change of 20%.

The Council has considered the options to address this and has decided to make the change rather than delay, reducing charges from the 1^st September, requiring an out of cycle decision to address user needs.

The decision will be reported in October to the Planning and Transport Scrutiny Committee.

The Executive Councillor’s decision(s):

To introduce revised charges at half the original level from the 1^st September of:

·         Annual membership - £20 ex VAT. £24 incl VAT

·         Membership hire charge - £2.50 ex VAT. £3 incl VAT

·         Non Member - £5 ex VAT. £6 incl VAT

Registered disabled users are not liable to VAT, so the vast majority of ShopMobility payments, over 80%, will be at the exclusive of VAT.

Reasons for the decision:

As set out in the briefing paper from the Head of Commercial Services

Scrutiny consideration:

Report:

The Chair and Spokespersons of Planning and Transport Scrutiny Committee were consulted prior to the action being authorised

A briefing note detailing the background and financial considerations is attached.

Conflicts of interest:

None known

Comments:

This decision will be reported to the Planning and Transport Scrutiny Committee on 2 October 2018.

Briefing Note - Urgent Decision - Review Of ShopMobility Hire Charges And Annual Membership