Raft of fee rises to plug budget gaps
A RAFT of proposed price rises for fees and services have been unveiled by Halton Borough Council as it looks to plug a £12m shortfall for 2022-23.
Spending chiefs on the local authority’s executive board have been asked to approve the increases in a meeting to take place at Runcorn Town Hall this evening (Thursday).
A wide range of services are due to experience a rise, although many fees and charges are expected to be held at existing levels, with some reductions.
Those set to rise include: reports for planning applications, vehicle licences and plates, street traders, sex establishments such as shops or “entertainment venues”, scrap metal dealers, road closures, skip permits, highways searches, road signs, venue and room hire, park home pitch hire, and burial rights.
The cost of adult cremation is poised to rise from £799 to £815 while charges such as the optional webcast service and token box will remain flat.
Pet shop licences and animal boarding are also due to rise.
The cost of a licence for running a house of multiple occupation (HMO) is due to rise according to a sliding scale starting at £535.90 for five bedrooms up to £725.10 for nine bedrooms or more.
Pest control is rising about 2%, although domestic rat infestation clearance remains free.
There will be no change for the storage of fireworks.
Some reductions, however, are proposed, including a £17 drop to £100 for an al fresco dining licence.
A report published ahead of tonight’s meeting said the “general aim” in setting fees and charges is to cover the cost of providing the services.
The overall increase in anticipated income has been set at 2% in line with the Government’s inflation target.
A full list is available to view in the Halton Council agenda for this evening’s meeting at Runcorn Town Hall.