Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no apologies for absence given for this meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 11 November 2022.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on Friday 11 November 2022 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Executive Leader made reference to recent media announcements about the Government’s apparent decision to scrap top-down housing targets. The Executive Leader confirmed that the Council must await any legislation and in the meantime, nothing has changed and these announcements will not affect the timeline for the Local Plan 2037 which will hopefully be found sound early next year and is based on the existing top-down housing figures.

To receive any declarations of interest from members in accordance with Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations of interest made at this meeting.

There were no petitions submitted at this meeting.

To receive any deputations, of which notice has been lodged.

Written deputations were received in respect of item 8(1) of the agenda from Beryl Swain, Verity Fair, Graham Allibone, and Gareth Jones.

A deputation was also received from Roger Price, County Councillor for Fareham Portchester division in respect of item 8(1) of the agenda.

To receive any references from the committees or panels held.

Health & Public Protection Scrutiny Panel – 01 November 2022

Minute 7 – Review of parking charges at coastal locations and options identified in the September 2020 review

Deputations were received in respect of this item as detailed in the table provided at minute 5.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillors M J Ford, P M Nother, Mrs K Mandry and H P Davis addressed the Panel on this item.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Leisure and Community which presented the outcomes from the 12-month review of the coastal car parking charges.   The report included an annual review of charging in coastal locations which were introduced in August 2021 and provided the reconsideration of options identified for town centre parking as part of the September 2020 review.

The Panel was invited to consider the recommendations being taken forward to the Executive and to provide comments to be taken into account at the meeting of the Executive on 06 December 2022.

Members raised concern at the significant increase in the proposed cost of an annual season ticket for the Borough’s coastal car parks, noting that the cost represents a 56% increase on the current cost.  It was strongly felt that an increase in line with the current rate of inflation would be more reasonable and, on this basis, it was suggested that the cost be increased to £90. 

It was noted that the Council faces significant financial challenges over the coming years and Members agreed that it is appropriate to consider parking charges at this time, particularly as income that can be generated through increasing Council Tax is limited. The Panel suggested that a charging scheme similar to the beach huts scheme could be applied to annual season tickets for coastal car parks.  This could allow a reduced rate for residents of the Borough of £90 and the proposed increased rate of £125 for non-residents. 

Members raised concern that the proposed increase in charging hours at the coastal car parks to cover 10am to 8pm would have an adverse impact on residents who use the coastal facilities for recreational purposes and could

potentially affect their mental health and well-being. It was felt however that there could be scope for removing the current cap of £6 a day and simply charging for every hour of the current charging period.  Anyone parking from 10am to 6pm, would therefore pay an increased maximum rate of £8 a day.

The Panel strongly agreed with the recommendation in the report that there should be no increase in charges at the Town Centre car parks at the present time as this could have an impact on the footfall in the town centre which would adversely affect businesses.

The Panel discussed whether it would be feasible to allow 2 cars to be registered on an annual season ticket for car parks at coastal locations.   It was noted that this had been suggested as part of the original parking review and was rejected on the basis that it could have an impact on the level of income generated and could also be difficult to manage effectively. It was agreed that this option could be considered further at the parking review in 2023/24.

Consideration was given to the possibility of removing free parking for blue badge holders, however there was concern that this may result in increased on-street parking in unsuitable locations. It was agreed that this could be re-considered at the 2023/24 parking review.

It was noted that the report contained a recommendation that height restriction barriers at Portchester precinct car park should not be installed, as was requested in a motion presented to Council on 21 October 2022.  Whilst the Panel understood the reasons for the request it was felt that the reasons given for not proceeding were sound and it was therefore agreed that the barriers should not be installed.

RESOLVED that the Health and Public Protection Scrutiny Panel makes the following recommendations for consideration by the Executive at its meeting on 06 December 2022:

(a)   the cost of a coastal car parking annual season ticket be increased to £90 for residents of the Borough and £125 for non-residents;

(b)    the coastal car parking charging period remains at 10am to 6pm;

(c)     the parking cap of £6 per day at the coastal car parks be removed;

(d)    no increase to parking charges be implemented at the town centre car parks at the present time;

(e)    options for the implementation of parking charges for blue badge holders be considered as part of the 2023/24 parking review;

(f)     options for 2 cars to be registered on one coastal car park annual season ticket be considered as part of the 2023/24 parking review; and

(g)   height restriction barriers at Portchester Precinct car park not be installed.

This item was considered at item 8(1) on the agenda.

A report by the Director of Leisure and Community.

Deputations were received in respect of this item from Beryl Swain, Verity Fair, Graham Allibone, Gareth Jones and County Councillor Roger Price.

Comments received from local residents in respect of this item were tabled at the meeting for consideration and appended to these minutes.

Additional information was tabled at the meeting in respect of the three additional car parks for which the feasibility of introducing coastal charging is being assessed.

The comments of the Health & Public Protection Scrutiny Panel were taken into account in considering this item.

At the invitation of the Executive Leader, Councillors Ms C Bainbridge and Mrs K K Trott addressed the Executive on this item.

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees that:

(a)  a full review of town centre parking be undertaken in 2024;

(b)  the charge for a coastal season ticket be set at £145 per year with a concessionary rate of £95 per year for residents of the Borough of Fareham;

(c)  hourly charges in coastal car parks be increased by 10% in line with inflation;

(d)  the existing £6 per day cap on charges at pay-and-display coastal car parks be removed;

(e)  a feasibility report to support categorisation of additional car parks as coastal should be undertaken; and

(f)   height barriers at Portchester Precinct are not installed.

A report by the Director of Leisure and Community.

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees to extend the current Public Spaces Protection Order under section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 for a further 3 years in relation to Fareham Town Centre.