Issue - meetings

1.1              That:

·       Council is recommended to approve the Fees and Charges set out in the schedule at Appendix 1 to be effective from 12 January 2026

·       Council is recommended to approve the Fees and Charges set out in the schedule at Appendix 2 to be effective from 1 April 2026

·       Council is recommended to approve the Fees and Charges set out in the schedule at Appendix 3 to be effective from 1 April 2026

·       Council is recommended to approve the Fees and Charges set out in the schedule at Appendix 4 to be effective from 1 April 2026

·       Council is recommended to approve the Fees and Charges set out in the schedule at Appendix 5 to be effective from 1 April 2026

Councillor Price moved the recommendations, noting that the proposals had been considered in detail by the Policy and Resources Committee. During debate Members raised concerns regarding, the level of parking charges, including at Ferry Car Park, and the impact on local residents, business parking permits and the potential effect on local traders, fly tipping penalties and whether increased fines would act as an effective deterrent and cost of living pressures faced by residents.

In response Members supporting the proposals highlighted comparisons with charges in neighbouring authorities, the need to encourage parking turnover near shops, the low number of fly tipping prosecutions under existing penalty levels and the importance of aligning charges with statutory maximums where appropriate.

Clarification was sought regarding figures within the appendices relating to fly tipping penalties, and members were advised that written clarification would be provided.

On being put to the Council, the motion was declared as CARRIED by the Chair, with the voting being For 21, Against 13 and Abstention 1.

That:

·       Council is recommended to approve the Fees and Charges set out in the schedule at Appendix 1 to be effective from 12 January 2026

·       Council is recommended to approve the Fees and Charges set out in the schedule at Appendix 2 to be effective from 1 April 2026

·       Council is recommended to approve the Fees and Charges set out in the schedule at Appendix 3 to be effective from 1 April 2026

·       Council is recommended to approve the Fees and Charges set out in the schedule at Appendix 4 to be effective from 1 April 2026

·       Council is recommended to approve the Fees and Charges set out in the schedule at Appendix 5 to be effective from 1 April 2026

The Committee considered the report on Fees and Charges for 2026/27, with an introduction provided by officers.

Enclosure 1 Parking and Associated Fees

Some Councillors raised concerns regarding the proposed increase to long-term parking tariffs, expressing concern that the justification was insufficient and that incremental increases could lead to a cycle of displacement parking on residential roads. Clarification was sought as to whether analysis had been undertaken, particularly in areas without controlled parking zones.

Officers explained the rationale for differentiation between short-term and long-term parking, the operational issues arising from mixed tariffs on the same site, and the forthcoming introduction of a parking app. It was confirmed that 24-hour parking charges had not been increased since 2018 and remained favourable in comparison with neighbouring providers. Free parking arrangements were confirmed to remain unchanged where they were currently in place.

Members discussed commuter parking pressures, the impact of increased charges near railway stations, and displacement parking. Officers advised that parking schemes and surveys were ongoing in Rickmansworth and surrounding areas, with the potential for mixed use car parks and further parking controls where support by residents.

Ground Hire and Filming Fees

Members queried increases to ground hire fees, including benchmarking and the level of increase. Officers confirmed that fees had been benchmarked against neighbouring authorities and that discounts were available for community groups, charities and voluntary organisations. Clarification was provided on filming charges and the introduction of an administration fee to cover officer time where enquiries did not proceed to hire.

Commercial Waste, Fly-Tipping and Enforcement

Members raised concerns regarding commercial waste charges, fly-tipping enforcement rates, fixed penalty notices, and comparisons with neighbouring authorities. Officers advised that a further detailed report would be brought addressing fly tipping, enforcement and benchmarking. The rationale for early payment discounts was explained as a means of avoiding court proceedings and associated costs.

Biodiversity Net Gain and Other Fees

Officers confirmed that Biodiversity Net Gain monitoring fees had been benchmarked and that the Council was an early adopter, with a review planned once further comparative data was available.

Enclosure 2 Licensing and Pavement Licenses

Members discussed pre-application fees for planning, the balance between charges for large developers and householders, and the use of bespoke negotiated fees for major developments. Officers confirmed that bespoke arrangements were in place for large residential and commercial schemes and undertook to provide further clarification in writing.

Concerns were raised regarding pavement licence fees being set at the statutory maximum. Officers agreed to review the feasibility of more flexible or weekend-only licensing arrangements and report back.

Enclosure 3 Cemeteries

Members queried hardship support for funeral costs. Officers explained that the majority of funeral costs were incurred though funeral directors rather than burial or cremation fees. Public Health Funerals and support available through the Council’s bereavement officer were outlined.

Enclosure 4 Garages

Officers confirmed that garage fees reflected inflationary increases only and that high occupancy levels were being maintained. It was confirmed that charges were set on a cost-recovery basis only.

Enclosure  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4