Issue - items at meetings - Children's Services Fees and Charges 2012-13

Report of the Strategic Director, People (copy attached)

(1)       That the position on fees charged for nurseries as detailed in section 3.3 be agreed;

(2)       That the position on fees and charges for the Learning Development Centre detailed in section 3.4.3 be noted;

(3)       That the fees and charges for 2 012/13 in respect of Surrenden Pool as detailed in section 3.5 and Appendix 2 be agreed;

(4)       That the  position on fees and charges for the Music and Performing Arts Service as detailed in section 3.6 and Appendix 3 be noted; and

(5)       That the  position on the charges for school meals as detailed in section 3.8 be noted.

25.1    The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Strategic  Director, People reviewing the Children’s Services fees and charges for 2012-13 In accordance with the corporate policy.

25.2    The Cabinet Member explained that the details set out in report in relation to the music service did not reflect any amendments made by cabinet to the level of savings proposed. In answer to questions by Councillor Marsh it was confirmed that any changes made by Cabinet would carry forward into the report to Budget Council.

25.3    Councillor Marsh enquired regarding whether it was proposed that the charges for use of the swimming pool at St Luke’s school would be increased. It was explained that this facility was run under a separate arrangement with “Freedom Leisure”.

25.4    Councillor Wealls enquired regarding the levels of fee subsidy and fees charged at the City’s five council run nurseries. It was explained that “Bright Start” had begun as a workplace nursery. However, there was no differential in the levels of fees paid, all parents paid the same. As the fee increased for “Jump Start” and “Roundabout” had been significant for 2011/12 they had been staged in order to minimise their impact. The rises proposed for 2012/13 equated to a cost of living rise of 3% and it was proposed that they would be delayed until September 2012.

25.5    RESOLVED (1) That the position on fees charged for nurseries as detailed in section 3.3 be agreed;

(2) That the position on fees and charges for the Learning Development Centre detailed in section 3.4.3 be noted;

(3) That the fees and charges for 2 012/13 in respect of Surrenden Pool as detailed in section 3.5 and Appendix 2 be agreed;

(4) That the position on fees and charges for the Music and Performing Arts Service as detailed in section 3.6 and Appendix 3 be noted; and

(5) That the position on the charges for school meals as detailed in section 3.8 be noted.