To consider Report CFO/008/21 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the proposed overarching Charging Policy (FINPOL01) for the Authority and instruct Officers to ensure their respective functional areas implement the policy and seek to maximise the recovery of income from the permitted but limited range of discretionary fees and charges, as appropriate.

Members considered Report CFO/008/21 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the proposed overarching Charging Policy (FINPOL01) for the Authority and instruct Officers to ensure their respective functional areas implement the policy and seek to maximise the recovery of income from the permitted but limited range of discretionary fees and charges, as appropriate. 

Members were given a brief overview of the report highlighting that current charging arrangements are applied consistently across the Service and transparency is improved with users of chargeable service goods by having a formal Charging Policy on the service website to refer customers to if required. 

Members were advised that any charge levied is based on a cost recovery basis only and reflects the cost input in delivering the service and that the billing and payment process is consistent with Financial Regulation 4.35(a), also that there are no new charges. 

Members asked if there was a conflict with the balance between the necessity to serve the people of Merseyside and to prevent the risk and unduly disadvantaging competitors on providing services.  Members were advised that as per special service charges, for example lift rescues, if Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority (MFRA) didn’t charge for these services, businesses who do charge for them may go out of business - to some degree it ensures private businesses are not put out of business.  Members responded by agreeing that this makes sense and that MFRA offers a fair service, whilst also utilising money for its own revenue to make the people of Merseyside safer. 

Members resolved that:

a)    The overarching Charging Policy (FINPOL01) for the Authority, be approved;

b)    Officers be instructed to ensure the ‘Charging Policy’ is adhered to; and

c)    The charges will be uplifted annually as outlined in the policy and details about the charges will be included with each annual budget report for consideration, be noted.