Issue - meetings

This report sets out budget estimates for income and expenditure for Licensing & Planning Policy services in 2026/27.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved with 7 votes for and 2 abstentions to:

(1)       Recommend the 2026/27 service estimates for approval at the budget meeting of Full Council in February 2026.

The Committee received a report setting out budget estimates for income and expenditure for Licensing and Planning Policy services in 2026/27.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Local Plan Cost. A Member of the Committee asked about the cost of the development of the Local Plan, as referenced in paragraph 4.4. The Member asked if there is not sufficient funding already allocated to the development of the Local Plan, would a request need to be sent to Strategy and Resources Committee to ask for more funding. The Senior Accountant confirmed that if further funding was required, a request would need to go to S&R Committee.

b)            Taxi Licensing. A Member of the Committee asked about the risk of key licensees not renewing with Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, as set out in the table on page 26. The Member asked if a comparison has been done with other areas to determine if we are unnecessarily high which could contribute to the decision of key licensees to not renew with EEBC. The Senior Accountant informed the Committee that there is always a risk when it comes to increasing fees and charges. The Senior Accountant explained that we do not have control over taxi operators and whether they choose to remain licensed with EEBC or go elsewhere. The Senior Accountant highlighted that there has been a stable income when it comes to taxi licensing and both the licensing and finance teams are confident that this will continue over the next year.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved with 7 votes for and 2 abstentions to:

(1)      Recommend the 2026/27 service estimates for approval at the budget meeting of Full Council in February 2026.