Agenda and minutes

To receive comments or views from members of the public at the Panel’s discretion.

None received.

The Panel to be notified of any substitute members.

The Panel were notified that Councillor Brailsford would be substituting for Councillor Mrs. Smith for this meeting only.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Stokes.

Members are asked to declare interests in matters for consideration at the meeting.

None declared.

Review of car parking charges in Grantham and Stamford.

(Attached)

The Scrutiny Officer explained that the special meeting had been called because the date designated for a decision within the forward plan was the 7^th November 2005. The Chairman had felt that it would be most appropriate for the DSP to consider this item before the Cabinet made their decision.

The Management Accountant briefly précised his report to Cabinet, number DOS294, which had been circulated to Panel members prior to the meeting. A policy had been adopted whereby there would be a biennial review of car parking charges, with a minimum increase of the rate of inflation. The policy that was adopted also included the alignment of charges between Grantham and Stamford for shorter periods (long-term parking was already in-line). Three alternatives had been prepared for consideration, with the intention of encouraging people to use the car park appropriate to their stay: punitive charges would be introduced for long-term parking in short term car parks, while long-term parking in long-term car parks would be competitively priced. Other considerations had been presented, including the possibility of charging for parking at evenings, Sundays and Bank Holidays and charging for disabled parking. Different payment methodologies had also been presented for consideration.

The report identified turnover of parking spaces, income generated per space and comparisons between principal car parks in Grantham and Stamford. This information had been compiled to predict behavioural patterns of motorists and how to most appropriately amend parking charges. Significant reviews of the parking structure were underway in Bourne, Stamford and Grantham. Comparators of neighbouring authorities were included; Newark and Sherwood District Council, members of SKDC’s audit family, were priced marginally higher. A Value for Money study showed that South Kesteven had the third highest subsidy against Council Tax.

Option one had the lowest possible increases for short stay car parking, while long stay car parking increased in hourly increments. Option two had the highest increase for short stay parking while long-stay parking was divided into three bands. Option three replicated the short-stay charges of option one and included the banded system for long-stay parking of option two.

Panel members were given the opportunity to discuss the report of the Management Accountant and to ask questions. DSP Member considerations had to manage demand while ensuring that Council Tax increases were kept to a minimum, as car parking was the only revenue generating service that the Council retained.

Most members felt that bringing the Stamford and Grantham charges in-line in one step would be too big a jump. Points considered included:

·        Concern that an increase of 40% in Stamford may give the impression that they were persecuting motorists;

·        To prevent an even bigger increase in Stamford next time, some Grantham charges would have to be pegged if charges were to be completely in-line;

·        The need for commonality between the two major towns;

·        Given the disparity with Bourne, who have no charges, discrepancies between Grantham and Stamford should also be permissible in the short-term.

The majority of members agreed with the principle  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

The meeting was closed at 16:08.