The Board heard how the harbours budget setting process generally takes place earlier on in the year. The Board heard the process of how the Harbour budget working party works through the budget proposals to include user and public consultation. The Board heard how the Harbour operates independently from the Authority. The Board heard how given the variable nature of their income it is difficult for the Harbour Committee to set targets for income.

In response to questioning the Board heard how delicate discussions had taken place with Harbour users to negotiate costs and fees. The Board heard how a possible increase could be reviewed in the future The Board heard how some of this work is documented in the Harbour Accounts Principles, 2009.