URL: https://democracy.rochdale.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2618

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To present the Discretionary Fees & Charges for 2025/26 to be taken forward for Consultation

Content: The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Corporate Services which sought approval of the updated Discretionary Fees and Charges for 2025/26, as a basis for consultation.     The Deputy Chief Finance Officer was in attendance to present the report and to address the questions and the comments of the Cabinet Members.   Discretionary Fees and Charges were reviewed on an annual basis. At Cabinet 27th August 2024 a 2% general increase in Discretionary Fees and Charges for 2025/26 had been agreed for planning purposes, subject to exemptions to be agreed.   The report detailed the proposed Discretionary Fees and Charges for 2025/26 as a basis for consultation, and detailed those charges proposed to be exempt or different from the general 2% increase.   Resolved: 1.    That the updated Discretionary Fees and Charges for 2025/26, as a basis for consultation be approved; 2.    That it be noted that a 1% change to the Discretionary Fees & Charges would mean an increase or decrease of £42k. Any change to the % increase could be considered as part of the consultation; 3.    That the charges exempt from the general 2% increase, as set out in paragraph 5.3 of the report be approved; 4.    That  the different % increases, as set out in paragraph 5.4 of the report be approved; 5.    That the proposed new Discretionary Fees & Charges as set out in paragraph 5.5 of the report be approved.   Reason for decision: The fees and charges listed in the report had been proposed by each Directorate, taking into account the 2% general uplift in Discretionary Fees and Charges. It was recommended that no uplift was applied to the fees and charges detailed in paragraph 5.3 of the report. It was recommended that the fees and charges in paragraph 5.4 were uplifted by the amounts stated. It was recommended that the new fees and charges in paragraph 5.5 be approved for consultation.   Alternatives considered and rejected: The alternative was not to review or increase the Council’s fees and charges. This would potentially reduce the income available to the Council and make it more difficult to achieve a balanced budget.

Date of Decision: December 17, 2024