Agenda and minutes

To receive details of any Members appointed to attend the meeting instead of a Member of the Sub-Committee.

None.

To receive any declarations of interest.

None.

Up to a total of fifteen minutes can be allowed, each speaker being allocated a maximum of five minutes, for members of the public to present a petition, ask a question or comment on any matter on the Agenda or within the remit of the Sub-Committee.

None.

Of the meeting held on 10^th November 2021 to be approved and signed.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 10^th November 2021 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

That the Sub-Committee review the proposed schedule of Fees and Charges for 2022/23 and recommend its approval to the Policy and Resources Committee on 8 February 2022 for ultimate approval by Full Council on 22 February 2022.

The Committee considered a report on the proposed schedule of Fees and Charges for 2022/23. The Head of Finance presented the report and highlighted the main points.

Proposed Fees and Charges for Building Control and some Licensing charges were set out in the exempt part of the agenda as they are commercially sensitive. Trade Waste charges would be available following publication of the new cost of waste disposal, which was expected shortly.

The review had been carried out with an assumption that inflation is at 2%. Some fees and charges were proposed to increase by an average of 2%, but in some specific cases, the proposed increase was greater. However, some fees and charges had been maintained at the same level as 2021/22.

In response to questions, it was explained that, whilst it was proposed to increase the charge for Worcester residents at the Commandery, this includes new added benefits.

Members were advised that the review takes account of the prevailing inflation rate and there is also an analysis of prices charged by other providers.

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee agree to recommend the proposed schedule of Fees and Charges for 2022/23 to the Policy and Resources Committee for approval.

That the Income Generation Sub-Committee note the Council’s Quarter 3 performance for 2021/22.

The Committee considered a report on the Council’s Quarter 3 performance for Income Generation for 2021/22. The Corporate Director – Finance and Resources presented the report and highlighted a number of main points. Officers responded to questions from Committee Members.

In the ensuing discussion, reference was made to trade waste, where income remains at approximately 90% of budget. Officers were asked what can be done to return to the income target. In response, Officers explained that the position has been affected by Covid, as many businesses were not trading and some ceased altogether. Some new customers have now been gained. There are additional resources for developing a new marketing strategy and the newly appointed Head of Service will be able to offer new ideas.

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee note the Council’s Quarter 3 performance for 2021/22.

Which in the opinion of the Chair is of sufficient urgency as to warrant consideration.

None.

The Sub-Committee are invited to pass the following resolution:

That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of information as defined in Schedule 12A of the said Act.

RESOLVED: That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of information as defined in Schedule 12A of the said Act.

To consider the proposed fees and charges for Building Control and some Licensing charges which are classed as exempt items as they are commercially sensitive.

The Sub-Committee considered the proposed fees and charges for Building Control and some Licensing charges which are classed as exempt items as they are commercially sensitive. The Sub-Committee agreed to recommend them to the Policy and Resources Committee for approval.

To consider an opportunity to purchase a site in the city.

(Exempt report to follow)

The Sub-Committee considered an opportunity to purchase a site in the city and agreed an allocation from the Income Generation Fund to underwrite preliminary assessments.