Agenda item

To present the draft fees and charges proposals for 2026/27.

The Fees and Charges Proposals for 2026/27 report was introduced by the Leader of the Council.

The report outlined the following proposed changes to discretionary services for 2026/27:

The report outlined that details of regulatory fees and charges for 2026/27 were contained within Appendix B.

Planning charges were expected to be increased by Government in line with the Consumer Price Index as of September 2025 (3.8%). Formal confirmation of an increase was expected by March 2026.

It was expected that statutory licensing charges would remain as outlined within Appendix B of the report.

Following an internal audit recommendation, the Charging Policy was reviewed, and an updated version was included within Appendix C of the report.

During discussions, Members commented on the following:

-       The Leader of the Council noted that he had received a significant list of questions from a Member, some of which he had responded to. He agreed to respond to the remaining questions following the meeting.

-       A Member suggested adding a surcharge to houses of multiple occupants (HMOs) of 6-beds or more. The Leader noted the suggestion and was not opposed to the principle. An officer noted that there were 61 licenced HMOs within South Kesteven, 51 of which contained 6-bedrooms or less. It was suggested that the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered this issue following benchmarking against neighbouring authorities.

10.19am – Councillor Habib Rahman arrived.

-       A Member exclaimed that price increases could freeze out individuals from accessing services. The Section 151 Officer confirmed that all impacts had been analysed during the budget setting process.

-       Regarding the Charging Policy, a Member queried the rationale of how fees were tested and cost structures established. The Leader noted the cost structures had been set following a review, the result of which was both increases and decreases to some fees. Ultimately, the Charging Policy was the framework within which the fee structures could be subsequently set.

-       Confirmation was sought that the service quality would remain in instances where prices had increased. The Leader confirmed this to be the case but noted that there were proposed changes to the Green Waste Service, as would be discussed by the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee at their meeting later in the day.

Given the implications the proposals had for taxi services, Councillor Tim Harrison declared a pecuniary interest and did not take any further part in proceedings.

Following consideration of the fees and charges proposals for 2026/27, it was proposed, seconded, and AGREED to endorse the updated Charging Policy, as set out in Appendix C.

10.41 – Councillor Emma Baker arrived.