This report sets out a range of measures to assist in the mitigation of in-year budget pressures.

The Committee considered a report recommending a range of measures to assist in the mitigation of in-year budget pressures.  The report had appended a revised list of fees and charges, mostly recommended for implementation from 1 November 2024, with a few from 1 January 2025 where stated.  The report also recommended that officers stop notifying residents of planning applications by post and the removal of the current service offering free bulky waste collections from 1 January 2025, to be replaced by a revised service offer at reduced cost to the Council.

Additionally, the report recommended two urgent delegations to officers to enter into contracts for Reactive Repairs and Maintenance and Planned Repairs and Voids for up to £2.000m per annum each, following the recent completion of compliant procurement processes.

Resolved -

(1)      That the fees and charges schedule set out in Appendix 1 of the report for implementation from 1st November 2024, unless otherwise stated, be approved;

(2)      That the practice of notifying residents of planning applications by post be stopped;

(3)      That the removal of the current service offering free bulky waste collections be approved, and the Acting Executive Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services be given delegated authority to introduce a revised service offer at reduced cost to the Council on an initial pilot basis to be reviewed after 6 months;

(4)      That the Executive Director of Communities and Adult Social Care, in consultation with the Director of Finance, the Assistant Director for Procurement & Contracts and the Assistant Director of Legal & Democratic Services, be given delegated authority to enter into contracts for Reactive Repairs and Maintenance for up to £2.000m per annum;

(5)      That the Executive Director of Communities and Adult Social Care, in consultation with the Director of Finance, the Assistant Director for Procurement & Contracts and the Assistant Director of Legal & Democratic Services, be given delegated authority to enter into contracts for Planned Repairs and Voids for up to £2.000m per annum.