Agenda item

This report informed members of the procedure relating to the registration, with the City, as Landlord of sub-tenancies granted by long lessees on the Estate.

Members felt strongly that the current charge of £80.00 was too high, particularly as the neighbouring boroughs of Islington and Westminster only charge £25.00.  There was some debate about the level of staff undertaking this task, which Members considered to be a basic administrative function.    A member suggested that a retrospective late fee be imposed, as with retrospective planning permission, but with the initial fee reduced.  The consensus was that a reduced fee would result in greater compliance with registration, which was currently very low. 

The City Solicitor confirmed that these duties were undertaken by admin staff and defended the £80.00 charge as reasonable.  Furthermore, should the charges decrease, it would impact on all City estates and the commercial portfolio.  The implications of this may need to be reported to the Finance Committee.  In addition, imposing a late charge would require further resources. 

RESOLVED, that:

The Committee receive a report at their next meeting, setting out the process and justifying the charges, including the argument for retrospective charging and enforcement procedures.