Majority of Moray Council service charges frozen for second year
Service charges within the control of Moray Council are to be largely frozen at 2021/22 levels for 2022/23.
Elected members made the decision to freeze charges on 12 October 2021, with the exception of the charge for community alarms, which has historically been very low.
Additionally, charges for wash/dry toilet maintenance are to be removed.
New charges for the 3D printing, the use of parks and open space, the supply of ice and a discounted rate for chartered vessels under 10m length are also to be adopted.
The surcharge for registrars to perform marriages outwith the marriage rooms or on Saturdays is also increasing by £2, due to an increase is salaries.
Elgin Library took delivery of a new 3D printer last year and charges will now be £2 plus £1 per 50g used, with a minimum charge of £3.
The Council has procured an ice-making plant for Buckie harbour and charges for the supply of ice are £60 per tonne or £2.50 per standard fish box. A reduction in the annual compound charge for chartered vessels under 10m length has also been accepted.
New charges for commercial use of council-owned open spaces and parks have also been agreed and can be found under section G3 of the meeting paper. Community and charity events won’t be charged for use of open spaces.
Convener of Moray Council, Cllr Shona Morrison, said: “We all hoped to be over the worst of the covid-19 pandemic by now but the truth is many households in Moray are in just as uncertain a place as they were this time last year.
“Freezing service charges at last year’s levels is our way of saying the council recognises the difficulties residents are facing and we’re trying to be as supportive as we can within our means.
“There are some charges the council has no control over and the introduction of new charges, park use for example, has come about as we try to recoup costs associated with the hiring of our land. This brings us in-line with other local authorities and means events should run without a detrimental effect on the council.”
The decision on any potential changes to council tax will be taken at future budget setting meetings of the council.