Report by Head of Planning, Housing and Health (attached).

The Committee considered a report by the Head of Planning, Housing and Health (circulated previously) regarding NMD Building Control fees.

The Head of Planning, Housing and Health highlighted the following:

·       The NMD Building Control service was facing a challenging time following the departure of a number of employees since September 2022. 

·       The current salary levels and benefits package was considered to be a contributing factor in the service’s inability to retain and attract staff.  The private sector offered very attractive financial packages.

·       Current surveyor salaries need to be enhanced to be competitive with the private sector.

·       A market supplement of 10% of basic for the surveyor positions could be accommodated by an 8% increase in fees to make the positions more attractive in the market place.

In response to questions, the Head of Planning, Housing and Health advised the following:

·       Officers had carried out analysis of the private sector building control fees.

·       Elements of the Building Control service was a statutory function and there were aspects that could only be delivered by a Local Authority.

Councillors Lane and Prowse declared non-registerable interests as they used the NMD Building Control service as part of his work.

RECOMMENDED that Building Control fees be increased by 8% with immediate effect, subject to there being no adverse representations received following the notice of intention to make this change.