To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Cllrs Elsmore and Frankie Evans and from Marie Rosenthal, Solicitor to the Council.

To receive any declarations of interest in any matter to be discussed at the meeting.  Members and officers are requested to identify the nature of the interest and indicate whether it is personal or prejudicial.

Cllr Allaway Martin declared a personal interest in item 3 as a member of Coleford Town Council.

Cllr Bill Evans declared a personal interest in item 3 as a member of Newland Parish Council.

Cllr Bevan declared a personal interest in item 3 as a member of Lydney Town Council.

Cllr Whitburn declared a personal interest in item 3 as one of the relevant car parks was in his ward.

Cllrs Coborn, Martin and O'Neill declared a personal interest in item 3 as a member of Cinderford Town Council.

To consider the Parking Management Scrutiny Inquiry report and make recommendations to Full Council and the Cabinet.  

The chairman, Cllr Burford, presented the inquiry report, commenting that it had been circulated to members, and that he had asked for comments.

Cllr O'Neill proposed and Cllr Bill Evans seconded the following amendment to the recommendations.

That, following the intensive scrutiny review of potential charging for off-street parking and assessing all of the evidence gathered, the cabinet, in light of the current economic downturn and the impact this is having on our town centres, delays making a decision until full public consultation, including all town and parish councils, has been carried out and the economic situation has improved.

Speaking to his amendment Cllr O'Neill firstly commended Cllr Burford on the report. However it was clear to him that the consultation exercise had not been concluded and should have occurred before going to the cabinet. There was no consultation strategy or plan. The exercise was ongoing and recommendations could not be made before conclusion of consultation. He added that the recommendations in paragraph 7.5 may well be valid at that point, but recommendation f) had to happen before implementation of a charging regime.

Cllr Burford asked for further comments on the amendment. There were none.

When put to the vote the amendment was unsuccessful.

Cllr Burford asked for comments on the report as at the agenda. There were none.

Cllr Smart proposed and Cllr Brian Edwards seconded the recommendations in the inquiry report.

RESOLVED -

Recommendations - section 7 of the inquiry report

7.1       The issue of car park management and the proposed introduction of charging at the point of use have caused a great deal of debate within the District Council and the wider community as a whole.

7.2       The final decision on the subject lies with the Cabinet, and it is the function of Scrutiny to make recommendations to help inform the Cabinet decision but not to make the decision for them.

7.3       An overwhelming weight of evidence from individuals and community representatives indicates a widely held view that in difficult economic times, and against the background of decisions made in 2008 and the reasons for those decisions, now is still not the right time to introduce charging for the use of Council owned car parks. This argument is not without merit, and as such a recommendation to delay the implementation of a charging regime has some justification.

7.4            Conversely, it is undeniable that as a result of several factors, some beyond the control of the Council including reduced support from central government the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan has been put under extreme pressure. While there may be some limited scope to ease the situation by making savings or securing additional income within the Council, there is also a good argument made that it is necessary to proceed now with the introduction of charging for car parking to preserve other services.

7.5       When cabinet have fully considered these opposing arguments and taken note of the views of Full Council, should they decide to continue with the introduction  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Thursday 12 January 2012

Thursday 2 February 2012

Thursday 12 April 2012

Thursday 12 January 2012

Thursday 2 February 2012

Thursday 12 April 2012