Agenda item

Joint Report of the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and the Corporate Director of Resources / Treasurer to the Joint Committee.

The Head of Finance - Financial Services referred Members to Fees and Charges 2014/15 report (for copy see file of minutes).

It was noted that the report had been prepared in accordance with Members directions given at the meeting held 25 September 2013, with proposals for increased charges in line with the regional average. 

Members noted that if agreed, then there would be an opportunity for the Joint Committee to direct how any additional income could be utilised in connection with redevelopment works to provide an improved crematorium facility for service users.

The Joint Committee were reminded that, in line with current practice, it was proposed to retain the nil fee for child cremation (under 16’s).  Members noted a proposal for a pilot operation during the first 6 months of the year to offer underutilised appointment times at a discount, once other appointment times have been filled, to ascertain whether this could help encourage uptake of these appointment times.  The discounted rate would be the current 2013/14 changes.

Resolved:

(i)          That the proposed fees and charges be approved and be effective from 1 April 2014.

(ii)         That the approved fees and charges be incorporated into the 2014/15 Budget.