Agenda item - Fees & Charges 2017/18 - Economy, Environment & Culture Directorate

Report of the Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture (copy attached)

RESOLVED:

1)        That the committee approves the fees and charges for the Seafront for 2017/18 in Appendix 1a.

2)        That the Committee approves the fees and charges for the Bandstand for 2018 & 2019 in Appendix 1a.

3)        That the Committee approves the fees and charges for the Sports Facilities for 2017/18 in Appendix 2a.

4)        That the Committee approves the fees and charges for the Golf Courses for 2017/18 in Appendix 2b.

5)        That the Committee approves the fees and charges for the Brighton Centre for 2017/18 in Appendix 3.

6)        That the Committee approves the fees and charges for Outdoor Events for 2017/18 in Appendix 4.

7)        That the committee grants delegated authority for officers to negotiate hire fees where commercially necessary outside the approved fees & charges.

48.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture in relation to Fees & Charges 2017/18 - Economy, Environment & Culture Directorate. The combined report presented the review of fees and charges across four service areas: Seafront, Sports Facilities (including golf courses), Brighton Centre and Outdoor Events. The changes would be implemented from April 2017 unless otherwise stated.

48.2    In response to the Chair it was clarified that the tickets for riding the Volks Railway would also include access to the visitor centre; however, Officers would need to check if the maintenance yard was also open to the public.

48.3    In response to Councillor Nemeth it was explained that the fee for the hire of the bandstand ensured it would available; appropriate set up was undertaken; any liaison with the café underneath took place and any other such duties. It was agreed that Officers would update the Committee after the meeting in relation to any instances of the bandstand being used for weddings without being hired.

48.4    In response to Councillor Peltzer Dunn it was agreed that Officers would look into whether it was feasible to look allowing the bandstand to be hired for weddings during the off peak months.

48.5    In response to Councillor Morris it was explained that a policy was agreed by the Committee approximately three years ago in relation to filming in the city; this had been benchmarked to set the charges appropriately.

48.6    Councillor Greenbaum highlighted the concerns she had raised at the previous meeting in relation to in relation to outdoor events in the city; Officers clarified that, as agreed, a briefing was being drafted for the Committee.

48.7    In response to Councillor Druitt it was explained that a scheme was being trailed for discount day access to golf courses, similar to discount access to the city’s leisure facilities. This would start in April on selected days, with a view to a full scheme the following year.

48.8    In response to Councillor Taylor it was explained that the calculation used in the uplift for fees at leisure facilities was the industry standard. In response to a further query it was explained that was a very open and thorough dialogue with Freedom Leisure in relation to the level of fee increases each year; the Council would always seek to ensure it achieved value for money.

48.9    Councillor O’Quinn stated her view that price for access to all the city’s sports facilities was very reasonable and offered very good value for money.

48.10  In response to Councillor Druitt, Officers agreed to investigate if there was a way to better negotiate discount to protect leisure services users from increased fees.

48.11  The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote individually. Recommendations 1), 2), 5), 6) & 7) were carried with 8 in support and 2 abstentions and recommendations 3) & 4) were carried unanimously.

48.12  RESOLVED:

1)        That the committee approves the fees and charges for the Seafront for 2017/18 in Appendix 1a.

2)        That the Committee approves the fees and charges for the Bandstand for 2018 & 2019 in Appendix 1a.

3)        That the Committee approves the fees and charges for the Sports Facilities for 2017/18 in Appendix 2a.

4)        That the Committee approves the fees and charges for the Golf Courses for 2017/18 in Appendix 2b.

5)        That the Committee approves the fees and charges for the Brighton Centre for 2017/18 in Appendix 3.

6)        That the Committee approves the fees and charges for Outdoor Events for 2017/18 in Appendix 4.

7)        That the committee grants delegated authority for officers to negotiate hire fees where commercially necessary outside the approved fees & charges.