URL: https://midsussex.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=569

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Councillor Cornish, as Opposition Leader in attendance commented on the degree of progress and requested more indication on timescales following the report to Cabinet intended for November.   Simon Hughes, Director People and Commercial Services introduced the report noting it summarises and responds to the formal consultation under the Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders Regulations on proposals to introduce Sunday, Bank Holiday and evening parking charges, following the Council’s budget decisions in March 2024. The details of the proposals, consultation and its analysis are set out in paragraphs 39 through to 47 and in the table in appendix A. He noted that as Cabinet are aware, on 9 December 2020 Council, following the work of a cross-party working group adopted the Parking Strategy and Action Plan running until 2030. The Strategy has been updated and the report provides more detail on work since its adoption.  The strategy and plan are summarised in paragraphs 14 to 19 including the post covid review and is in detail from paragraphs 24 to 28.   He noted that the recommendations are set out in paragraphs 13. These are developed from the consultation responses and the strategic objectives of the parking strategy.   Recommendation iii(a) recommends delaying implementation to allow formal consultation on a resident permit scheme in East Grinstead, as set out in paragraphs 53 and 54.  He also noted that Council in its budget setting agreed to developing a business case for increasing spaces in Queensway Car Park and this is underway.   Recommendation iii(b) also includes a revised approach to Sunday and Bank Holiday charges. The consultation feedback summary supporting this recommendation is set out in para 55 and 56.  He noted that as Cabinet will be aware from their community leadership role, parking is more than tariffs. Civil parking enforcement is by far the most common issue raised by the public. Overall parking service income also supports investment in enforcement. The role of enforcement is detailed in paragraphs 20-23 and 51-52.   The Director concluded by referring Cabinet to the financial implication of these recommendations, set out in paragraphs 63-70. This is also referred to in the Budget Management Report discussed during item 5 of this meeting.    The potential financial impact in the current year of delaying and amending the evening, Sunday and bank holiday charges is over £100,000.   The Deputy Leader noted that the Parking Strategy approved in 2020 was not implemented at the time but is being implemented now. Stage 1 is complete regarding the variable charging regime, and car park usages has not decreased since these changes. Stage 2 (bank holiday and weekend charges) has been consulted on and although the proposed amendment will cost vital funds, it addresses concerns raised in East Grinstead. Stage 3 is about delivering improvements to carparks, Queensway, and providing new technology and he anticipated reviewing proposals later this year. He noted the impact of parking charges on local villages, and the need to address on street parking enforcement issues.   The Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy and Housing acknowledged that the difficult issue for the administration and noted the importance of understanding the issues and concerns raised in the consultation responses. He noted that it would provide the opportunity to ensure that any decisions are evidence based. He also noted the need for income to balance the cost of providing the service.  He acknowledged that proposed Sunday charges would now be consistent across the District and welcomed the proposed improvements in both technology and Queensway car park and.   The Director confirmed that as set out in the report, a business case for Queensway is in the process of being prepared and will need to go through the governance process, subject to a Council decision on any capital required. The same applies for any technology improvements.   The Leader noted that the tariff regime for Sunday parking hasn’t changed since the 1970’s and that strategically spreading where charges are applied is a prudent thing to do. He noted the benefits of evidence based differential parking, and that the Council could be agile in responding to changing demand or need. Regarding free carparks he reiterated that a charge will always apply, either through council tax or costs to local businesses (which could be economically dangerous) and therefore if the Council wishes to invest in carparks and enforcement it needs a charging regime.   The Chairman moved to the recommendations as contained in the report which were proposed by Councillor Hobbs and seconded by Councillor Eggleston. These were unanimous agreed.   RESOLVED   Cabinet:   i.        Noted the formal consultation feedback received in respect of the Mid Sussex District Council Notice of Proposals under Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996; ii.       Noted the response to that feedback in the wider context of the Parking Strategy objectives;   Agreed to:   iii.      delay the implementation of Sunday, Bank Holiday and Evening Charges on the basis set out in the Notice of Proposals to enable further work to take place to formally consult, as required under the Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996, on: a.       a resident permit scheme in Queensway Car Park, East Grinstead b.       a revised approach to Sunday and Bank Holiday charges iv.      Instruct Officers to inform those who have responded to the consultation accordingly, and; v.       Instruct Officers to report back to Cabinet in November on the findings of the further formal consultation and on proposed next steps.  

Date of Decision: September 16, 2024