Last minute changes to Bedford council fees and charges hike

The proposed new set of charges was presented to the Executive meeting (Wednesday, November 19).

A report presented to members said these charges ensure the council receives income from fees “where allowable” to contribute to the funding services.

They are also in place to help balance the current budget, assist in preparing for next year’s budget, and to “ensure its sustainability in the medium term”.

Some of the increases were due to start in December, a point which was raised by councillor Doug McMurdo (Independent, Sharnbrook)

He said that the previous administration reviewed fees and charges in the summer, which were agreed in October.

“Is it reasonable to expect our residents to face a 10 per cent uplift in two weeks’ time?” he asked.

The portfolio holder for finance and corporate services, councillor Marc Frost (Conservative, Wixams and Wilstead) said that the report was intended to be debated in September, but it was moved.

He added that the recommendation will be amended so that all the changes will start from January 1.

Green councillor Lucy Bywater (Castle and Newnham) asked about the increase in pest control fees.

“They’re rising for those, for example, on the council tax reduction scheme,” she said.

“There’s a risk to their health if they hesitate to report to pest control.

“Would you agree that residents on the lowest incomes tend to be more likely to suffer rats and cockroaches, not through any fault of their own, but due to the likelihood of them being in poor quality rented accommodation and often because of having little control over their housing?” she asked.

Councillor Frost said that after conferring with the finance director that the pest control fees for people with council tax reduction support will only be raised by inflation.

The Executive voted to approve the changes in fees and charges, and also agreed to the two late amendments.