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Executive (I)
Friday, 24th January, 2014

REPORT TO:10
DECISION NUMBER:PH/9/2014
EARLIEST DATE FOR DECISION:24th January 2014

DEMOCRATIC SERVICES REVIEW OF FEES AND CHARGES 2014/ 2015
Matter for Consideration:
To consider and approve the fees and charges for the Registrar’s Service and Electoral Services for the financial year 2014/ 2015.
Information:
The attached schedule outlines proposals for revised fees and charges for the Registrars service, including fees for Festival House and Approved Venues for 2014/ 2015. The schedule also includes charges for marriages under the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 which will be subject to the same fees and charges as for all ceremonies bookings.

It is proposed that both Town Hall and Evening Ceremony prices be reduced due to the reduction in bookings for the Town Hall, (which it is thought is due to the successful operation of Festival House) and the lower than anticipated take up of evening ceremonies, from its introduction last year.

Within the electoral services function there is a charge of £17.50 for issuing a certificate of residency, which has remained unchanged since 2009. It is recommended that this remain unchanged for the next financial year.

Does the information submitted include any exempt information?NO
Legal Considerations:
The Council is adjusting its charges to reflect market conditions and to ensure the safety of those staff carrying out the registrations and ceremonies.
Personnel Considerations:
The proposed fees are either based on proposed resource implications and also statutory charges for certain ceremonies. The proposals are in line with the Equalities Analysis previously submitted for General Fund Revenue Budget 2013/2014. It is considered given the scope of proposals that they will also be in line with the Equalities Analysis currently being prepared with the General Fund Revenue Budget 2014/2015.
Financial Considerations:
The proposed fees aim to cover employee costs, resources and time.
Performance Management Considerations:
There will be ongoing monitoring of performance against the targets set for income.
Risk Management Considerations:
Increasing the current levels of patronage to meet income generation targets.
Relevant Officer:
Mark Towers, Head of Democratic Services
Relevant Cabinet Member:
Councillor S. Blackburn
Consultation Undertaken:
None
Background Papers:
Is this a key decision?NO
Is the decision required in less than 5 days?NO
Recommendations:
To approve the attached schedule of fees and charges for the Registrar’s Service from 1st April 2014 for the financial year 2014/2015. To agree that the fees for issuing certificates of residency as set out in paragraph 4.3 remain unchanged for the financial year 2014/ 2015.
Reasons for Recommendations:
To review the fees and charges for the service to enable them to be set to meet expected demand.
Is the recommendation contrary to a plan or strategy adopted or approved by the Council?NO
Is the recommendation in accordance with the Council’s approved Budget?YES
Other alternative options to be considered:
To not change the fees or to change the fees in a different way.
Policy, Overview, and Scrutiny Committee Chairman (where appropriate)
Date Informed: N/A
Date Approved: N/A
DECLARATION(S) OF INTEREST (if applicable)
None
Decision:
The Leader of the Council agreed the recommendations as outlined above namely: 1. To approve the attached schedule of fees and charges for the Registrar’s Service from 1st April 2014 for the financial year 2014/2015. 2. To agree that the fees for issuing certificates of residency as set out in paragraph 4.3 remain unchanged for the financial year 2014/ 2015.
Date:24th January 2014
Reason for Decision:
To review the fees and charges for the service to enable them to be set to meet expected demand.

Date of Publication:		24th January 2014


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