Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Ms S Pankhurst.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Health and Public Protection Scrutiny Panel held on 21 June 2022.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Health & Public Protection Scrutiny Panel held on 21 June 2022 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.

There were no declarations of interest made at this meeting.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

The Panel received deputations from the following in respect of the items stated:

To consider any items of business dealt with by the Executive since the last meeting of the Panel, that falls under the remit of the Health and Public Protection Portfolio.  This will include any decisions taken by individual Members during the same time period.

There were no comments or questions for clarification in respect of this item.

To consider a report by the Director of Leisure and Community which presents the outcomes from the 12 month review of the coastal car parking charges.

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.

To consider a draft scoping report which identifies the topics for scrutiny at Queen Alexandra Hospital.

The Panel was reminded that at the last meeting, members had requested that a scoping report be brought forward for consideration to identify topics for scrutiny at the Queen Alexandra Hospital.

The Director of Leisure and Community advised the Panel that given the increasing number of hospitalisations due to covid and flu cases, now was not an appropriate time to add to the pressures faced by the hospital.  It was therefore agreed that this item for scrutiny would be deferred to a later date.

RESOLVED that the Health & Public Scrutiny Panel agrees that scrutiny of the Queen Alexandra Hospital be postponed to a more suitable time.

To provide an opportunity for Members to consider the scrutiny priorities for the Health and Public Protection Panel.

Members were given the opportunity to discuss the scrutiny priorities for the Panel.

In discussing the priorities, members considered whether the Council’s climate change commitments are being taken into account in the matters that the Panel deals with.  It was agreed that reports presented to the Panel reflect the Council’s commitments, for example the installation of solar powered car parking machines, and members were confident that they are vigilant in ensuring that climate change matters are taken into account.

RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Priorities for the Panel were reviewed.