Agenda item

To receive a report from the Head of People, Performance & Waste and the Environment & Enforcement Manager recommending proposals to be considered for future changes to both pay and display as well as permit parking within MDDC car parks for the financial year 2026/27.

The Cabinet had before it a report * from Head of People, Performance & Waste and the Environment & Enforcement Manager recommending proposals to be considered that have come from the Car Parking Consultative Group for future changes to both pay and display as well as permit parking within MDDC car parks for the financial year 2026/27.

RESOLVED that:

1.    It reviewed the proposals initially made by the Car Parking Consultative Group regarding parking permits and consideration by the Economy and Assets PDG, and agreed the following:

·         The reintroduction of a day permit option for car park users. This to be available to use for all residents across the District.

·         To receive a further report from the Car Parking Consultative Group, to be first considered by the Economy and Assets PDG, regarding new ideas and proposals in relation to new potential parking permits that could be used in car parks across the District.

·         This to include the development of proposals around a new business permit for the Multi Storey Car Park (MSCP), Tiverton and to offer a potential reduction in the cost of permits located on level 1 of the MSCP, as highlighted in this report.

·         Future consideration be given by the Car Parking Consultative Group to extend free parking for market traders to other market towns.

2.    A 5% rise for Car Parking charges to be introduced as part of the budget setting process for 2026/2027. This has been proposed by the Car Parking Consultative Group and then carefully considered by the Economy and Assets PDG.

3.    The granting of additional free parking days for Crediton and Cullompton Town Councils to designate as they see fit to support their town centre activity.

Note: * Report previously circulated.

The Cabinet had before it a report * from Head of People, Performance & Waste and the Environment & Enforcement Manager recommending proposals to be considered that have come from the Car Parking Consultative Group for future changes to both pay and display as well as permit parking within MDDC car parks for the financial year 2026/27.

The Cabinet Member for Governance, Finance and Risk outlined the contents of the report with particular reference to the following:

• The proposed fees and charges for car parks and permits in the upcoming 2026/27 financial year were set out in the report.

• These proposals had been carefully considered and put forward by the Car Parking Consultative Group. The group comprised of a collection of business and community representatives across the district who provided feedback and input to ensure proposals were properly considered and reflective of community views before being sent onto the Economy and Assets Policy Development Group (PDG) for consideration.
• There were three key considerations the parking consultative group have had in mind in making these proposals for consideration;

Ø  That car parking fees were raised by 5%. There had been no rise in car parking fees since June 2024, during this period inflation was projected to rise by 5.7% cumulatively over the period.

Ø  That the Council offer a sole day permit to complement the existing day/night permit. At present, customers were only offered the day/night option, however, feedback supported a desire to expand permit options to include a sole day permit option. This to be made available to all residents right across the district.

Ø  Finally, representatives from Crediton and Cullompton had asked for an additional 3 days of free parking between them, during the year to support local events.

·         To note future work to be carried out by the Car Park Consultative Group on how parking permits were made more attractive and accessible for residents right across the district, as well as consider what can be offered to market traders when operating in all of the towns in the district.

·         On page 86 for Westexe South Tiverton should be up to four hours, not three.

Discussion took place with regards to:

• It was great to see the group bring forward ideas and proposals to improve access to the Councils town and act on community and business feedback. This marked a real improvement in community engagement.

• Would the Car Parking Consultative Group consider extending free Saturday parking after Christmas, especially during the sales period, to attract more visitors and support local businesses? It was explained this would be feedback to the group to discuss extending the free parking whilst considering the financial impact this could have on the Council.
• Was there representation from Tiverton on the Car Parking Consultative Working Group. It was confirmed that yes there was representation from Tiverton.
• A question was asked around the recommendations that were before Cabinet. It was explained that regarding the reintroduction of a day permit option for car park users this was proposed to be available to use for all residents across the district. A report would come back to a future meeting of the PDG and Cabinet on how the permits were to be made available across the district.

RESOLVED that the following be approved:

1. It reviews the proposals initially made by the Car Parking Consultative Group regarding parking permits and consideration by the Economy and Assets PDG, and agreed the following:

·         The reintroduction of a day permit option for car park users. This to be available to use for all residents across the District.

·         To receive a further report from the Car Parking Consultative Group, to be first considered by the Economy and Assets PDG, regarding new ideas and proposals in relation to new potential parking permits that could be used in car parks across the District.

·         This to include the development of proposals around a new business permit for the Multi Storey Car Park (MSCP), Tiverton and to offer a potential reduction in the cost of permits located on level 1 of the MSCP, as highlighted in this report.

·         Future consideration be given by the Car Parking Consultative Group to extend free parking for market traders to other market towns.

2. A 5% rise for Car Parking charges to be introduced as part of the budget setting process for 2026/2027. This has been proposed by the Car Parking Consultative Group and then carefully considered by the Economy and Assets PDG.
3. The granting of additional free parking days for Crediton and Cullompton Town Councils to designate as they see fit to support their town centre activity.

(Proposed by Cllr J Downes and seconded by Cllr G DuChesne)

Reason for decision:

The report proposes measures to generate additional income to support the delivery of parking services for the Council. It also aligns with the Corporate Plan to deliver sustainable parking options within communities. Therefore, supporting economy and growth within the district.

Note: * Report previously circulated.