Decision details

Received a report regarding charges for the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Service, Leisure Activities, Cemeteries and Community Halls for 2005 / 2006.

Agreed, in order to set the Fees and Charges for the services and facilities provided by the Council’s Leisure and Community Services Division in the forthcoming year in accordance with the principles of the Charging Policy Commission and pending the recommendations of the Leisure Facilities Scrutiny Panel, to:

1.  The extension of the LeisurePass scheme to enable reduced prices for Sports Development activities as outlined in paragraph 3.3 of the report;

2.  Support the proposals in paragraph 4.3.2 of the report with a view to all users being treated in a fair and equitable manner and agree the introduction of a Football Training Permit, as outlined in paragraph 4.3.4 of the report;

3.  The introduction of a hire fee to community groups to use designated areas of parks for their small events and fun days, and for those which fall into the £2m Public Liability category, that the premium for the cover under the Council’s Hirers Public Liability Policy being charged to the group on the basis of 15% of their hire fee;

4.  Authorise the Director of Regeneration and Environment, in consultation with the Council’s Insurance Manager and Insurers, to investigate and if possible undertake a similar procedure for events which will fall into the £2m to £5m Public Liability category, on the basis that the premium percentage would be variable to take into account of any increased risk;

5.  The introduction of a scale of charges for larger commercial events in parks, with a starting threshold of £500 per event and authorise the Director of Regeneration to decide upon any increment that will apply depending on the size and commercial nature of the event;

6.  The introduction of a flat inclusive fee of £25 be introduced for secular community and commercial hire of The Bandstand, Barking;

7.  A reduction in the charge for individual Citizenship, Baby Naming, Renewal of Vows and Commitment Ceremonies from £100 to £50, as outlined in paragraphs 4.8.2 and 4.8.5 of the report, and to the deferment of the new scale of charges for the Marriage Room at Arden House from 1 April until 1 October 2005;

8.  The Leisure and Community Services Fees and Charges for the financial year 2005/06 as shown in Appendices A to F of the report;

9.  Note that the proposed increases should mean that the Division will overall meet the 2.5% inflation target;

10.Note that individual schools will be responsible for any costs associated with their use of the Ranger Services or Millennium Centre for 2005 / 2006 onwards, as outlined in paragraph 4.9.2 and 4.9.3 of the report; and

11.Note that Officers will encourage Community Associations to review the discounts they give to community groups and key holders for bookings made in community halls.