Issue - meetings

Report of the Corporate Director, Neighbourhood and Planning to follow

Cllr Dick Tonge, Cabinet member for Highways and Transport presented a report on proposals for a car parking redemption scheme for all Wiltshire Council owned and operated car parks across the County.  The Leader explained that this was raised at the Council meeting on 12 July when an undertaking was given that Cabinet would at this meeting consider a redemption scheme. However, it had since appeared that such a scheme may not be wanted by the retail trade in some areas.

The scheme was designed to assist traders where it was supported locally without imposition. The scheme acknowledged recent research which demonstrated that retail trade was being affected nationally and had been declining on an annual basis over the last three years as the result of the recession and other factors such as internet buying.

Cllr Tonge therefore amended the recommendation in order to initially consult interested parties to establish if they indeed wanted such a scheme before it was introduced. Comments from Cllr Nigel Carter who was unable to attend the meeting were circulated.

A discussion ensued on the recent increase in car parking charges to which Cllr Tonge replied.

Resolved:

(a)          To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Neighbourhood and Planning in agreement and consultation with the Cabinet member for Highways and Transport and the Leader of the Council to consult with

·         Town councils

·         Chambers of commerce

·         Town and City centre management committees and

·         Those representing independent retailers and other interested parties

on proposals to introduce a car parking redemption scheme to establish if they wish to develop such a scheme  in their town.

(b)          To delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Neighbourhood and Planning in agreement and consultation with the Cabinet member for Highways and Transport and the Leader of the Council to develop and implement a car parking redemption scheme in areas where such a scheme is wanted following the outcome of consultation referred to in  (a) above.

(c )      That details of any car parking redemption scheme if introduced be circulated to all Councillors.

Reason for Decision

To consult on a proposal to establish if a car parking redemption scheme is wanted and where it is, to implement such a scheme to offset the impacts of the recession on town centres in Wiltshire.