Decision details

*RESOLVED –

1.   That the recommended increases to the fees and charges for car parks, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the officer’s report, be approved for implementation from Monday 1 April 2024.

2.   That a revision to the current Residents Parking Scheme, to introduce a one-off tariff of £1 before 10am (Monday to Saturday) and a one-off tariff of £2 after 3pm (Monday to Saturday) and a one-off tariff of £2 on a Sunday (all day) and £2 on Bank Holidays (all day), be approved.

3.   That the Service Director for Leisure, Culture and Community Wellbeing, be delegated authority with the Cabinet Member for Town Centre and Visitor Economy, to apply appropriate negotiated fees and charges for new activities and opportunities that arise during the period covered by this report.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS

1.   The Council continues to face significant financial challenges. The sustained period of austerity since 2010, the ongoing risks and uncertainties over future funding arrangements, the budgetary impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and a sustained period of exceptionally high inflation, have all impacted on the Council’s financial position.

2.   The Council’s budget strategy is to deliver a balanced and sustainable budget. Given the forecast budget deficits it is important that all potential increases to income streams are implemented as soon as possible to help mitigate these pressures.

3.   It is therefore prudent to implement an uplift to assist the Council in achieving a balanced budget for 2024-25 and to continue to recover ground on the increasing costs associated with the delivery of car parking and other town centre operations.