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Minutes:
Car Parking Tariff Review
Councillor Paul Millar wished to address the Committee on the issue of increases to car parking charges in the district which had been the subject of debate and decision at the previous evening’s Cabinet meeting. He was deeply concerned that very important policy proposals which will affect very many residents seemed to be being decided arbitrarily and without providing a cost/benefit analysis, and that the report Cabinet were presented with provided insufficient evidence for such a consultation, and for Members to make an informed decision. He was concerned there was no background information with revenue and usage statistics for all car parks with which the Cabinet could reasonably consider the wider implications of a blanket rise in tariffs in popular car parks. He believed the correct approach would have been for the Cabinet to re-look at the proposed tariff rise, rather than amend the proposals on the spot. He was also concerned that East Devon did not consult with the County Council.
He was disappointed that the views of East Devon residents had not been taken into account. Raising car park tariffs could actually reduce the Council car park income as there were many East Devon residents who would not be able to afford the increases proposed.
Councillor Mike Howe also wished to address the Committee on the issue of increases to car parking charges in the district which had been the subject of debate and decision at the Cabinet meeting. He felt there was the need for a TAFF to consider car parking in total to see the impact and viability and costs of car parking. Other issues were around CCTV and lighting in car parks.
Councillor Maddy Chapman reported that she agreed with the idea of a TAFF and the review of car parking. She would like campervan parking considered and asked how this was progressing. Other issues for discussion could include the level of fines, maintenance costs and revenue. There were was a need to know the number of new smart parking meters and whether they were working correctly.
Councillor Jack Rowland agreed with the establishment of a TAFF to consider car parking and suggested that there was synergy with the work of the High Street TAFF as car parking was important to the High Street.
During discussion the following points were noted:
· Was there an equality impact assessment on car parks and if so this should be included in a TAFF.
· Need to include the possibility of improving advertising revenue in car parks in the TAFF’s terms of reference.
· Charges for Manor Pavilion car park should be used for the benefit of the theatre.
· Consultation on the Cabinets proposals to increase car parking tariffs should go ahead and inform the work of the suggested TAFF, unless there is a call-in on this decision.
RESOLVED that a TAFF be established to consider Car Parking Tariffs in East Devon car parks comprised of representatives from each of the political groups and to include the following membership: Val Ranger, Bruce De Saram, Joe Whibley, Eleanor Rylance and a representative of the Green Party, to consider Car Parking Tariffs in East Devon car parks. Each member to invite an additional Scrutiny representative from their group.