Agenda item

To consider the decisions made by Cabinet at their meeting held on 23 April 2014 in relation to the above item, which has been called in by CouncillorsD'Agorne, Runciman and Taylorin accordance with the Council’s Constitution.  A cover report is attached setting out the reasons for the call-in and the remit and powers of the Corporate and Scrutiny Management Committee (Calling-In) in relation to the call-in, together with the original report and the decisions of the Cabinet.

Members received a report which asked them to consider the decisions made by the Cabinet at their meeting held on 23 April 2014, in relation to changes to parking charges for the 2014/15 financial year, on a temporary basis, to provide an incentive to residents and visitors to encourage day time use of the car parks.

Details of the Cabinet decision were attached as Annex A to the report and the original report to the Cabinet attached as Annex B. The decision had been called in by Cllrs D’Agorne, Runciman and Taylor on the grounds that:

·        Impact on revenues and city centre congestion on Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings is uncertain and provisos to curtail the measure before Mar 31^st 2015 in the event of difficulties adds to customer uncertainty about the scheme.

·        The funding for the pilot would be taken from S106 money specified for transport, highways and access mitigation measures directly related to traffic generated by the Vangarde Development.

·        At the time of planning approval Highways officers stated that the allocation 'fell significantly short of the required level' indicating that it is already inadequate for the work which is required to ameliorate the traffic impact of the development.

·        The decision fails to identify which measures will not now be provided.

Councillor D’Agorne spoke on behalf of the calling in members questioning the urgency of the item on the Cabinet agenda, when the proposal had been developed over a six month period. He also noted that the report was not supported by market research information. He questioned the 8am start time and which mitigation measures would not be undertaken at the Monks Cross South site, following the contribution towards parking discount. If the pilot was continued he questioned whether this was economically the most cost effective method of encouraging visitors into the city. As he considered the proposals were contrary to Council policy he requested Council scrutiny of these measures together with alternative proposals.

In answer to one of the reasons for call in, it was confirmed that the impact on revenues and city centre congestion would become apparent following initial implementation, which if significant would result in a review of the decision mid-year. Some Members also suggested the possible use of a city centre shuttle bus scheme as an alternative sustainable measure.

In answer to a number of questions Councillor Alexander, as Cabinet Leader confirmed that:

·        The 8am commencement time and Thursdays to Saturday’s pilot had been agreed following discussion with city centre traders as a means of attracting residents in to the city centre earlier in the day. It was noted that Marks and Spencer would shortly be opening their Pavement store at 8am.

·        As no commitment had been given to continue the trial any changes could be made following the pilot.

·        It was acknowledged that the pilot start date would be delayed, following the call-in, commencing on 19 June.

·        The development of a Business Improvement District was being explored by City Team York.

·        Although alternative proposals had been considered this suggestion had come from city centre traders in conjunction with Officers, as a means of increasing trade.

In answer to questions, Officers reiterated that the proposals had been put forward in response to requests from local businesses and the City Team, and that alternative schemes had been considered. It was also confirmed that marketing of the scheme would be undertaken and that it would be possible to reprogramme payment machines to reflect the new parking charges.

Members were then asked to decide whether to confirm the decision made by the Cabinet Member (Option a) or to refer it back to the Cabinet Member for re-consideration (Option b).

After a full debate, Cllr Horton moved and Cllr Potter seconded that Option a) be confirmed and the Cabinet decision be confirmed.

On being put to the vote six Members voted for Option a) to confirm the decision and two voted against for Option b) and it was

Resolved:           ThatOption a) be approved and that the decision of Cabinet be confirmed.

Reason:              In accordance with the requirements of the Council’s Constitution.