Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Head of Planning Economy and Regeneration highlighting some of the headline findings of the recent costs exercise to provide Members with background information on suggested service improvements and changes.

The Cabinet had before it and NOTED a * report of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration highlighting some of the headline findings of the recent costs exercise to provide Members with background information on suggested service improvements and changes.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration outlined the contents of the report stating that a review of planning service costs was required. He explained that at the last review there had been buy in and collaboration with other local authorities but that they were reluctant to join in with a review of their services on this occasion. He explained that the report gave a comprehensive view of the planning service and what it cost to run.

Consideration was given to:

·         Full on costs to reflect the true cost of service provision

·         Efficiency savings

·         Cost of applications determined under delegated powers by officers verses those which went through the democratic process via Planning Committee

·         Inability to recover all costs as planning fees were determined by the Government and legislation

·         Number of planning appeals

Note: *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.