Issue - meetings

Members considered a report on the re-introduction of car parking and permit charges.

It had been decided, under delegated authority on 16 March to suspend parking charges for a period of three months, due to the lockdown by the Government. The report detailed different options for bringing parking and permit charges back, and the Officer recommendation was to bring these charges back from 1 July 2020.

The Strategic Finance and Business Support Manager informed Members that it was likely that the take-up of 5 and 6 days passes would decrease in the future due to the changing nature of working patterns; in particular, Officers at West Lindsey District Council were increasingly working from home during the lockdown period.

Lengthy and robust debate ensued with several Members indicating the original decision taken back in March had been very much appreciated.  There were calls for the current suspension of charges to remain in place and whilst Members appreciated and acknowledged the additional costs, it was considered the continued suspension demonstrated a continued intention to support local communities, and business in their recovery.

Members considered there was data to support that free parking was working.  The recovery was very much still in its early stages and supporting local businesses where possible was paramount.

In response to questions, Officers confirmed that it would take in the region of 2-3 months to establish alternative arrangements for permits, once these had been determined and this was due to the legal notices required when making changes to parking charges.

An alternative to the printed recommendations was moved and seconded namely: -

“To reconsider the report in September 2020 with a view to considering whether it would be appropriate to reintroduce parking charges on October 1 2010.”

Several Members spoke in support of the alternative recommendation, whilst others, whilst they wished to support continued free car parking, were conscious of the mounting costs to the Council.  Some felt these costs were relatively small given the overall cost.

Following further debate an addition to the written recommendations was moved and seconded, namely: -

(1)     Recommendation 1 as written be supported,

(2)     Recommendation 2 as written, be curtailed so it finished with the words       from 1 July 2020; and a further recommendation be added;

(3)     To allow Officers to investigate further more flexible options to support workers in our community, and report back to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee.  These options to be determined by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Chairman of the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee.

On being put to the vote, this first alternative recommendation was not carried and the committee continued to debate.

Reference was made to the difference between the free parking periods within Gainsborough and Market Rasen, and in the event that charges were to be re-introduce from 1 July, it was suggested the free parking period should be re-aligned across the two towns granting both a free period of parking for 2hrs.  Officers advised of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8