Decision details

Alison Scott, Director of Finance, introduced the report.

In response to questions, officers confirmed that there were no changes proposed to services and so the report did not outline any environmental implications, but that the council’s environmental strategy had been considered in preparing the proposals.

The committee discussed the proposals for increases for fines for fly tipping, noting that officers’ advice was that setting fines at the highest level allowable in law would lead to the council being taken to court to challenge such fines. The committee discussed the likelihood of offenders being caught, the likelihood of court challenges being successful, and the possibility of introducing a tiered system of fines.

Councillor Oliver Cooper moved an amendment to the recommendations, seconded by Councillor Andrea Fraser, such that the fixed penalty notice rates for fly-tipping be set at the legal maximum. Following debate, Councillor Oliver Cooper withdrew the amendment.

The Leader proposed that a meeting be convened between the Lead Member, Associate Director for Environment, and the leaders of the political groups to discuss the charges for fly-tipping and, as required, a sliding or other scale be introduced if felt applicable.

The committee debated the proposed increases for hire rates for Leavesden HIVE, noting that the percentage increase for the community rates being higher than the commercial rate was to ensure the difference in rates did not grow over time. The committee further discussed the rates differences between commercial and community rates at Watersmeet Theatre.

Councillor Philip Hearn moved an amendment to the recommendations, seconded by Councillor Oliver Cooper, such that 35 spaces at The Ferry Car Park be available at a rate of £4 per day. Officers confirmed that the council’s fees and charges could be amended at any point during the fiscal year, and that there was scope for a report setting out such a proposal to be brought forward at pace. In response to a question, the Leader of the Council committed to a report on these proposals being brought forward early in the new year, and that any decision would be taken following consultation with residents and parishes. The amendment was subsequently withdrawn.

The committee discussed the charges for pre-application advice for both planning and licensing, both in terms of the structure and how these compared to neighbouring authorities, noting officers’ advice was that pre-application advice fees for planning applications needed to be set at a rate which did not lead to applicants submitting planning applications directly and not using the pre-application process.

Councillor Oliver Cooper moved an amendment to the recommendations such that the pavement licence fee be halved to £250. The amendment was not seconded. In debate, the committee discussed proposals for pavement licensing, with the committee agreeing that a report on pavement licensing options be brought to the Licensing Committee for further consideration.

The committee welcomed the continued practice of not charging for the burial of children in council-owned cemeteries.

RESOLVED:

That Policy & Resources Committee recommends to Full Council:

1. To approve the Fees and Charges set out in the schedule at Appendix 1 to be effective from 13 January 2025.
2. To approve the Fees and Charges set out in the schedule at Appendix 2 to be effective from 1 April 2025.
3. To approve the Fees and Charges set out in the schedule at Appendix 3 to be effective from 1 April 2025.
4. To approve the Fees and Charges set out in the schedule at Appendix 4 to be effective from 1 April 2025.