The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Finance provided information on the position regarding Council Tax, National Non-Domestic Rate, general debt and cash income collection and the payment of benefits and he provided a commentary on the variances between 2010/2011 and 2011/2012. In response to comments from Members, the Director commented also that the Cabinet (minute 244 (12 January 2012) refers) had agreed that fees and charges should be reviewed on a regular basis as it was good practice for the Council to have a comprehensive list of fees and charges approved as part of the budget process. Accordingly, Chief Officers were undertaking a review to identify any opportunities to increase income and would also be presenting comparison data with other local authorities for consideration by the Cabinet in 2012. Members also expressed their concern in relation to reduced income from parking, and golf courses and in particular in relation to building control.

Resolved –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That the results of the review of fees and charges being undertaken by Chief Officers be presented to a future meeting of this Committee.

(3)  That the Director of Technical Services be requested to attend the next meeting of the Committee to provide further information to Members in relation to the achievement of income targets in those areas within his remit.