Issue - items at meetings - Childre's Fees and Charges 2013/14

Report of the Interim Director of Children’s Services (copy attached)

            RESOLVED – (1) That the position on fees and charges for nurseries in section 3.3 of the report be agreed;

            (2) That the position on fees and charges for the Music and Arts Service as detailed in section 3.4 and Appendix 1 to the report be noted;

            (3) That the position on the charges for school meals as detailed in section3.5 be noted;

            (4) That the position on fees charged by the Portslade Aldridge Community Academy – Adult Learning in section 6 of the report be noted; and

            (5) That the position on fees charged by the Portslade Sports Centre in section3.7 and Appendix 2 to the report be noted.

47.1         The Committee considered a report of the Interim Director of Children’s Services reviewing and seeking approval to the proposed Children’s Services fees and charges in accordance with corporate policy.

47.2    As part of the budget setting process Heads of Service were required to agree any changes to fees and charges through relevant Committee Meetings. The management of fees and charges was fundamental both to the financial performance of the City Council and also the achievement of the Council’s corporate priorities, in particular making better use of public money.

47.3    There were several distinct areas of fees and charges income for Children’s Services, some of which were approved by other bodies such as the Music Trust. The recommendations reflected the areas that needed approval and those which were for noting.

47.4    Councillor Brown referred to the outstanding provision by the music service and expressed concern that this could be compromised in the face of reduced funding. The Lead Commissioner, Schools, Skills and Learning stated this service was outstanding and that  strong partnership arrangements were in place and it was not anticipated that there would be any reduction in the existing standard of provision in consequence of the changes in the way that funding was provided.

47.5    Councillor Pissaridou stated that she was disappointed to note that 100% subsidy was not available to those in receipt of welfare benefits, she was also concerned that the level of fees charges at Portslade Sports Centre had reached a tipping point. The Lead Commissioner, schools Skills and Learning explained stated that the levels of subsidy provided to targeted groups were assessed on an ongoing, a significant level of subsidy was provided however.

47.6    The  Strategic  Commissioner Planning  and C ontracts explained that the fees and charges levied at Portslade Sports Centre were consistent with those charged elsewhere across the City.

47.7    In answer ti questions by Councillor Simson in relation to the fees charges at Council run nurseries it was explained that reviews of staffing structures were taking place in line with that being undertaken by other providers. Tarnerland School operated as a separate entity and set its own fees. In relation to the provision of free/subsidised provision all nurseries sought to maximise occupancy rates and confirmation of these criteria was awaited from central government. A sliding scale of assistance which would help some working families  was expected to be in place by September 2014.

47.8    RESOLVED – (1) That the position on fees and charges in nurseries as detailed in section 3.3 of the report be agreed;

            (2) That the position on fees and charges for the Music and  Arts Service as detailed in section 3.4 and Appendix 1 to the report be noted;

            (3) That the position on the charges for school meals as detailed in section 3.5 of the report be noted;

(4) That the position on fees charged by the Portslade Aldridge Community Academy – Adult Learning in section 3.6 of the report be noted; and

(5) That the position on fees charged by the Portslade Sports Centre in section 3.7 and Appendix 2 be noted.