Document Fees and Charges 2025-26

The Committee’s approval was sought for the various fees and charges under the remit of Community Services for 2025/26.

Members were advised that extensive preparatory work had been undertaken to understand existing budgets, levels of subsidy applied to services, the unit cost of provision for each service and the impact of potential fees and charges both in relation to budgets and with consideration to residents accessing services.  A benchmarking exercise had also been undertaken.  Officers stressed that moving towards more sustainable services and reduced subsidies was vital in the current financial climate and in the awareness that all the services in Community Services were discretionary.  Officers had been particularly mindful that all costs included building, internal recharges and depreciation where appropriate.  Increases would be made in increments of 25p where possible, this being the minimum, up to some in region of an increase of £1.50 to £1.90.

The Committee was advised that the Meals at Home Service currently cost £250,543 to provide, a cost jointly shared with Surrey Heath Borough Council.  In the context of increasing costs of food, vehicles and fuel, the need to try and recover some of the costs was necessary whilst maintaining affordability.  Four increases were proposed which Members supported.

Officers reported that in respect of Community Transport, the current subsidy was approximately £220,000, even with the recent service review which had realised a reduction in subsidy of £120,000.  Where possible a move away from cash might result in a small revenue saving.

For Community Alarms, also delivered jointly with Surrey Heath Borough Council. Officers aimed to keep the service cost neutral.  However, to reflect the need to move from analogue to digital a modest increase on the weekly charge for the service from £5.15 to £5.65 was approved.

Officers confirmed that the most highly subsidised service was for Day Centres, standing at approximately £700,000, which it was recognised was a significant cost to the Council.  However, as centre usage had not recovered fully from pre-pandemic levels, the increases proposed were relatively modest.  For example a two-course meal would increase from £4.95 to £5.50 per day.

With regard to Chertsey Museum, there was a range of different charges to reflect the variety of services on offer; the current subsidy level was £267,000 for 2024/25.  It was proposed that an increase of 7% was applied across all charges.  Members noted that an update on the service review of Chertsey Museum would be submitted to a future meeting.

Community Halls carried a budgeted subsidy of £240,000.  An average increase of 10% was approved, as was a new charge to Councillors for all room hire to help cover costs.

Members agreed that in respect of Tennis Courts and to reflect the previous move from a free of charge to £5 per hour, this would only be increased to £5.25 per hour, with Household annual passes remaining available for £38.00 per annum as opposed to £36.00.

Finally, Members reviewed the Safer Runnymede Fees and charges, relating to the preparation and supply of CCTV footage via DVD, copy photographs, and reviews of footage by request.  It was acknowledged these were used less frequently but would be retained for at least the next financial year.  An increase was agreed which Officers would monitor over the coming year with a view to removing them if appropriate in 2026/27.

The Committee agreed that the range and value of the discretionary services provided by the Council should be celebrated and supported.

Resolved that –

the proposed fees and charges as set out in Appendix A to the agenda report be approved, to be effective from the dates within the appendix or as soon as practical thereafter.