Cabinet rubber-stamps full range of Rother fee increases

THE full round of recommended fee increases, from 15% on car parking to 10% on beach huts, was rubber-stamped by Tuesday's Rother cabinet.

The issue followed a tough budget debate. Rother needs to find 170,000 from cuts, further efficiencies or increased income to get under the 5% Council Tax increase capping limit.

The only aspect of director of services Tony Leonard's lengthy report and recommended increases to attract any comment was car parking.

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Cllr Kathryn Field lodged a protest, saying she didn't understand why some Rother car parked were charged and some free.

Head of amenities Madeleine Gorman told Cllr Field that this was largely because of "historic" reasons and she was undertaking a review of all Rother car parking which would be complete "by at least this time next year."

Cllr Robin Patten said: "Those who read the Bexhill Observer will have read the headlines. Increased income is essential for our success. I don't think the increase is excessive. It is only 10p an hour more at Mount Street in Battle.

"Eighty pence an hour to park in Battle is not dear and it is necessary to optimise our income.

"I support the recommendation."

So did his colleagues.

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