Decision
Analysis
outcome: The council resolved to delay any changes in parking charges and to refer the matter to a cross-party car parking review group for further consideration and community consultation.
summary: The decision involves the potential reintroduction of a one-hour parking period in long stay car parks and the setting of parking charges.
topline: The County Council has decided to postpone changes to parking charges and consult further with the community.
reason_contentious: The issue is contentious due to its impact on local community finances, the accessibility of parking, and the potential influence on local businesses and tourism.
affected_stakeholders: Local community members, business owners, tourists, and the council.
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: The decision-making process involved amendments proposed and seconded by county councillors, indicating political party involvement or influence.
URL: https://powys.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=69
Decision Maker: County Council
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: Council considered the following notice of motion proposed by County Councillor Gareth E Jones and seconded by County Councillor Jeremy Pugh: 1. To reintroduce the up to one hour parking period into all the current designated long stay car parks run by the authority, which are currently subject to a parking charge with effect from 1st November 2023. 2. That the charge for up to one hour parking in the designated long stay car parks should be set at £1.40 in line with the charge for the same time period in the designated short stay car parks. County Councillor Pete Lewington proposed an amendment seconded by County Councillor Iain McIntosh: Delete 2 and replace with:- That the charge for up to one hour parking in both short stay and long stay car parks should be reintroduced at £1.00 with effect from 1st November 2023. This amendment was put to the vote and lost by 24 votes to 35. County Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe proposed an amendment seconded by County Councillor Angela Davies: In light of the motion coming forward, we propose the council hold off on any change in parking charges and refer the original motion to the cross-party car parking review group established by the Portfolio Holder to be considered with other options, including options to consult with communities and the council to seek their views as to whether they would like Powys County Council to reintroduce the 1-hour parking in their community long-stay car park or to forgo the 1 hour and stay with a 2-hour minimum with 50p from every 2-hour ticket issued going back into the community to help them run tourist facilities such as public toilets and community activities. Any recommendations from the review board are to be brought back to scrutiny prior to being considered by the cabinet. The amendment was put to the vote and by 30 votes to 27 with 1 abstention it was RESOLVED that the council hold off on any change in parking charges and refer the original motion to the cross-party car parking review group established by the Portfolio Holder to be considered with other options, including options to consult with communities and the council to seek their views as to whether they would like Powys County Council to reintroduce the 1-hour parking in their community long-stay car park or to forgo the 1 hour and stay with a 2-hour minimum with 50p from every 2-hour ticket issued going back into the community to help them run tourist facilities such as public toilets and community activities. Any recommendations from the review board are to be brought back to scrutiny prior to being considered by the cabinet. Council adjourned at 13:05 and reconvened at 14:00.
Date of Decision: October 5, 2023