A CONSULTATION on proposals to increase many of Pembrokeshire County Council’s direct fees and charges has been launched.

The council, in common with all those across Wales, is facing ongoing financial pressures, and Council Tax only accounts for a small proportion of the total amount of money spent by the Council on providing local services.

The consultation contains proposals on approximately 40 different direct fees and charges across a very wide range of different service areas. It includes proposals that could impact on a range of stakeholders.

Some increases suggested include increasing the cost of animal welfare licence charges for boarding fewer of ten animals to £533, from £333 and more than 30 animals to £619 from the same level.

Another proposal is to increase the cost of a registrar for a wedding off-site on a Saturday to £405 from £291.

The increases would fully cover the cost of the service.

Other proposals could see an environmental search increase from £71 to £80.94, although smaller increases are also suggested.

A temporary traffic restriction order could rise from £430 to a top level of £490.

Burial costs could rise to £342 if the 14% increase is approved.

Increases to the cost of hiring community buildings is also likely across the county.

Cllr Bob Kilmister, Cabinet Member for Finance, said “As part of a wider plan to address the financial pressures, the Council has adopted the principle of seeking to recover the full cost of delivering services through charges where appropriate.

“It is important that those who could be affected by an increase in charges are given the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposals.”

The Council is not permitted to charge for certain services. For other services, the amount that can be charged is set by statute and/or is capped so only a set amount can be charged - even where it costs more to deliver services.

For other services, the Authority can charge to recover our reasonable costs for delivery of the service. These are the services that are being reviewed.

The responses from the consultation will be put together in a report and be used to inform an Integrated Impact Assessment.

The Assessment will look at potential impacts on a range of different individuals, communities and the environment, and consider any mitigating actions that could be taken.

A final decision on any increases to fees and charges will be made by the Council’s Cabinet.

To give your views, please go online at pembrokeshire.gov.uk/haveyoursay

Alternatively, please telephone Pembrokeshire County Council’s Customer Contact Centre on 01437 764551 to request a hard copy of the consultation documents.