Rental charges set to rise

CAR parking charges, beach hut rental and fees for travelling fairs could increase if Rother cabinet agrees on Monday to a comprehensive review designed to maximise income.

Beach hut fees should rise well above the level of inflation says director of services Tony Leonard.

He also recommends bumping up the charges made to film units using local beaches such as Camber as a location.

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But in view of consumer-resistance since the introduction of charges at Wainwright Road car park he is recommending pegging the charges and reviewing usage next year.

Mr Leonard says in a report to cabinet that the annual review has been prepared using information gained from previous years' activities, feedback from users, local demand and the need to be both realistic in the level of charges set and the anticipated income.

"The anticipated increase in income from these revised charges will be built into the draft revenue budget for 2006/07."

He warns: "When setting new fees and charges cabinet must be aware of any possible implications brought about by user resistance which, in its worst case, see income levels drop."

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He is recommending general increases in the hire of Rother sports pitches with the exception of some youth sports where the council has adopted a practice of standardising fees / charges across both football and cricket.

He says: "The cost of hiring grounds for fairs and large events has been challenged by one operator, in that high charge and small sites make profitable trading difficult. Despite this we continue to enjoy maximum bookings for our smallest site."

He says it has been Rother practice to increase allotment fees every two years and these are now scheduled for review.

"Traditionally fees for this service are set at a low level to recognise the efforts made by tenants to cultivate the plots. It is therefore proposed an increase above inflation should be set to meet the contractual costs for grounds maintenance and to make good the lost inflation for last year."

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Beach-users could pay more if the director of services' recommendations are accepted.

He says: "There is currently a waiting list for beach cabins in Bexhill and reflects the relatively low rents set for these annual licences (less than 3 per week).

"In response to this demand it is proposed the rent for beach cabins and beach tents be increased well above inflation."

Mr Leonard says: "This council has reviewed its provision of charged car parks over the previous years and has added three car parks to the list of charged sites.

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"Car parks at Battle continue to perform well in meeting local demand, Wainwright Road, Bexhill is a new addition in 2005 only becoming active in October. Since charging there has been a significant decrease in cars using this car park, being displaced to Beeching Road car park and on-street car parking.

"It is considered that the usage of this car park continues to be monitored and a report submitted to cabinet after 12 months of operation and prior to the next budget round."

Mr Leonard says: "In setting its fees and charges for 2006-2007 the council must seek to achieve maximum income from its service delivery without having a detrimental effect on income, user numbers or public satisfaction."

Beach hut fees should rise well above the level of inflation says director of services Tony Leonard.

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He also recommends bumping up the charges made to film units using local beaches such as Camber as a location.

But in view of consumer-resistance since the introduction of charges at Wainwright Road car park he is recommending pegging the charges and reviewing usage next year.

Mr Leonard says in a report to cabinet that the annual review has been prepared using information gained from previous years' activities, feedback from users, local demand and the need to be both realistic in the level of charges set and the anticipated income.

"The anticipated increase in income from these revised charges will be built into the draft revenue budget for 2006/07."

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He warns: "When setting new fees and charges cabinet must be aware of any possible implications brought about by user resistance which, in its worst case, see income levels drop."

He is recommending general increases in the hire of Rother sports pitches with the exception of some youth sports where the council has adopted a practice of standardising fees / charges across both football and cricket.

He says: "The cost of hiring grounds for fairs and large events has been challenged by one operator, in that high charge and small sites make profitable trading difficult. Despite this we continue to enjoy maximum bookings for our smallest site."

He says it has been Rother practice to increase allotment fees every two years and these are now scheduled for review.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Traditionally fees for this service are set at a low level to recognise the efforts made by tenants to cultivate the plots. It is therefore proposed an increase above inflation should be set to meet the contractual costs for grounds maintenance and to make good the lost inflation for last year."

Beach-users could pay more if the director of services' recommendations are accepted.

He says: "There is currently a waiting list for beach cabins in Bexhill and reflects the relatively low rents set for these annual licences (less than 3 per week).

"In response to this demand it is proposed the rent for beach cabins and beach tents be increased well above inflation."

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Mr Leonard says: "This council has reviewed its provision of charged car parks over the previous years and has added three car parks to the list of charged sites.

"Car parks at Battle continue to perform well in meeting local demand, Wainwright Road, Bexhill is a new addition in 2005 only becoming active in October. Since charging there has been a significant decrease in cars using this car park, being displaced to Beeching Road car park and on-street car parking.

"It is considered that the usage of this car park continues to be monitored and a report submitted to cabinet after 12 months of operation and prior to the next budget round."

Mr Leonard says: "In setting its fees and charges for 2006-2007 the council must seek to achieve maximum income from its service delivery without having a detrimental effect on income, user numbers or public satisfaction."

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