Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies of absence.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Policy and Resources Scrutiny Panel meeting held on 30 July 2020.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Policy and Resources Scrutiny Panel meeting held on 30 July 2020 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

There were no Chairman’s announcements made at this meeting.

To receive any declarations of interest from members in accordance with Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct and disclosures of advice or directions received from Group Leaders or Political Groups, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct and Standing Orders the following Councillor’s made the following declarations on the items indicated.

Councillor N J Walker declared a personal interest in Item 6 – Parking Services Review as one of the deputees is known to him, and he lives off of Hospital Lane which is near to one of the sites identified.

Councillor J G Kelly declared a personal interest in Item 6 – Parking Services Review as one of the deputees is known to him.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

The Panel received the following deputations in respect of the agenda item indicated, and were thanked accordingly.

To consider a report by the Director of Leisure and Community on the parking Services Review.

The Panel received the deputations referred to in Minute 5 above.

Councillor N J Walker declared a personal interest in this item as one of the deputees is known to him, and he lives off of Hospital Lane which is near to one of the sites identified.

Councillor J G Kelly declared a personal interest in this item as one of the deputees is known to him.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Leisure and Community and received a presentation by the Project Co-Ordinator on a review of the Council’s Parking Service.

At the invitation of the Chairman Councillor R H Price addressed the Panel on this item.

At the Invitation of the Chairman Councillor S Dugan addressed the Panel on this item.

At the invitation of the Chairman Councillor T M Cartwright, Executive Member for Health and Public Protection addressed the Panel on this item.

Members discussed the report at length and acknowledged that the Council has to take action to secure new revenue streams for the Council, to not only assist with the funding gap previously identified by the Council, but also to assist with the loss of revenue that the Council has experienced due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Members expressed a desire for the proposed charging schedule for the coastal car parks to be amended to allow users of these car parks the option to purchase a 1 hour or 2 hour parking ticket. They felt that the minimum 4 hour charge would be unfair to those who use these car parks for short stays, and would discourage these users from using the car parks, with the possibility of them parking in nearby roads. This alternative will then create parking problems elsewhere.

Members, whilst acknowledging the advantage of the proposed pay by app scheme, were keen to ensure that all pay machine continued to accept all types of payments, including cash as they felt that many residents would still use this as their preferred method. Councillor Price also requested that all pay machines  be fitted with the multi-language option in order to make parking more accessible for foreign visitors.

Councillor Ford put forward an alternative proposal to the proposed scheme for coastal car parks that is to be presented to the Executive at its meeting on 7 September 2020, which was seconded and agreed upon by the Panel. The proposal is as follows:

Charge £1 per hour for the first 1 – 2 hours of parking

Charge £3 for up to 4 hours of parking

Charge an additional £3 for any period in excess of the 4 hours.

The total anyone would pay for parking would remain at £6, however it would provide more flexibility to those who only wish to use short stay parking.

The Director of Leisure and Community addressed the Panel and explained the reasoning behind the proposed minimum of 4 hours parking. She explained that to allow shorter periods for parking charges would severely affect the projected revenue income from the use of these car parks. She suggested that Officers undertake some scenario planning in preparation for the Executive meeting on 7 September 2020, so that they can demonstrate the impact that variations to the proposed scheme would have on the projected revenue income.

RESOLVED that the Policy and Resources Scrutiny Panel recommends to the Executive at its meeting on 7 September 2020:-

(a)  An amended charging scheme for the Coastal car parks which is;

- Charge £1 per hour for the first 1 – 2 hours of parking

- Charge £3 for up to 4 hours of parking

- Charge an additional £3 for any period in excess of the 4 hours.

(b)  That all pay machines, continue to accept all methods of payment in order not to disenfranchise any users of the car parks; and

(c)  To request that all pay machine be fitted with multi-language options in order to make parking easier for any foreign visitors.

To consider a report by the Director of Leisure and Community on the Osborn Road Multi Storey Car Park.

The Panel considered a report by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer on proposals for the future of Osborn Road car park, which is to be determined by the Executive at its meeting on 7 September 2020.

Members agreed that the proposals put forward for the car park were the right option for the car park in this current economy. Members queried as to whether residents of Osborn Road would be consulted regarding the final design for the car park as they would be the most affected by the change. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer confirmed that a consultation on the design of the car park would take place as parking of the planning application that would be required for this proposal.

RESOLVED that the Policy and Resources Scrutiny Panel recommend the proposals contained within the draft Executive report to the Executive for endorsement at its meeting on 7 September 2020.