To consider any decisions made by the Cabinet at its last meeting that have been called-in.
Minutes:
The Chairman informed the Committee that Councillor Mrs J Roach supported by Councillors R M Deed, R J Dolley, F W Letch, J L Smith, Mrs N Woollatt and R Wright had called-in Minute 100, Car Parking Charging Proposals of the Cabinet meeting 17th December 2015.
Cllr Mrs Roach informed the Committee of her reasons for the call-in, explaining that in her opinion:
· There had not been a business case to clearly weigh up the effects of these increases on the economic viability of the three towns.
· The decision was contrary to stated aims of regenerating the three towns and the aim to improve the economy of the whole district. It was therefore against Council policy.
· No provision had been made for the people who might want to use the long stay car parks for one or two hours. This could well include people who wanted to visit MDDC offices. The Phoenix House car park was frequently full of people making use of the 'free' period thus forcing people into the multi storey.
· The charging structure as proposed had inconsistencies.
· The impact on the short stay car parks had not been factored into the equation. It was likely to result in an increased use of the short stay car parks and a subsequent and significant reduction in income in the multi storey.
· The multi storey was for many years underused because of the fear of vandalism to cars, some people also found it intimidating as there were so few cars using it, over the past twelve months there had been an increase in the number of cars using the multi storey and it no longer had the feeling of desolation.
· In Tiverton, people may also go back to using the M&S car park thus resulting in a loss of retail sales in the town centre and a loss of income to MDDC.
Cllr Roach further explained that she could not understand why decisions such as this were being taken in isolation and not being looked at holistically. She requested that the Committee consider the viability of the towns and the impact that a raise to parking charges could have.
Discussion took place regarding:
· The valued work undertaken by the Car Parking Working Group and the Policy Development Group;
· The effect of increased parking charges to on-street car parking;
· Competition from neighbouring districts for retailers;
· Reductions to short stay tariffs and free parking included in the proposals;
· The need to encourage dwell time in the town centres.
It was RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet review its decision regarding the proposal from the Policy Development Group for Car Parking Charges.
(Proposed by Cllr Mrs J Roach and seconded by Cllr F J Rosamond)
Notes:- i) Report previously circulated and attached to Minutes.
ii) Cllr N A Way declared a personal interest as a Devon County Councillor
Supporting documents: