Agenda item

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW

(Papers relied on to write the report, which do not contain exempt information and which are not published elsewhere)

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

Steve Blatch, Chief Executive

Email:- steve.blatch@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Tel:- 01263 516232

Cllr E Seward – Portfolio Holder for Finance and Assets introduced the report and informed Members that in the first quarter of 2020/21, car parking income had been at 5-10% of its normal level, though most of the losses incurred had now been recovered by the income support scheme. It was reported that historically, approximately 75% of the Council’s parking income came from car parks in Cromer, Sheringham, Holt and Wells, which remained evident through July to September. Some changes were noted, such as increased revenue in areas such as Weybourne and Cart Gap. Inland market town parking revenue was reported to be slightly down on the previous year, though limited free parking had been offered in Holt and North Walsham.

Questions and Discussion

   i.          The Chairman sought clarification on whether any work had been undertaken to determine whether limited free parking had in any way boosted visits to town centres. The CE replied that it was difficult to determine whether free parking had increased visitor numbers, and noted that the decision not to change car parking fees for the coming year had already been made. He added that car parking revenue provided a significant revenue contribution for the Council’s discretionary services, and cautioned that reducing fees could impact these services. It was noted that the reduced income for inland market towns could have been in-part the result of the limited free parking arrangements. It was confirmed that there was no objective evidence to suggest that free parking arrangement had increased visits to town centres, and it was noted that limited free parking was often already available at supermarkets.

  ii.          Cllr W Fredericks stated that she was surprised to learn that the Council’s parking permits were not better advertised to residents, as they provided a cheap alternative that would provide a more reliable form of income for the Council. She asked whether more could be done to promote their availability. The CE replied that the Council’s parking permits did offer significant value for money with an annual permit costing £204, which allowed users to park at the majority of Council car parks for 60p per day. Cllr W Fredericks referred to seasonal permits and suggested that these should also be promoted to residents and tourists.

iii.          Cllr P Heinrich noted that there was very high demand at the Council’s coastal car parks during the summer season, and suggested that whilst a tourism tax was not possible, consideration should be given to seasonal price increases to help fund discretionary services. He added that promoting the permits would also help residents to avoid any increased costs. Cllr P Heinrich referred to free parking arrangements in town centres, and suggested that this option, as well as parking fees in general should be kept under review, with comparisons made to fees charged by similar authorities.

iv.          Cllr N Housden suggested that given the increased demand for parking in coastal areas, should the Council be looking at options to increase its provision, if only for the tourism season. He added that parking income was a source of significant revenue for the Council, and efforts should be made to take advantage of this.

 v.          Cllr H Blathwayt raised concerns that there were issues of tourism overload in popular areas, and cautioned that encouraging more visitors could be detrimental for residents.

vi.          The CE stated that the Council had recently created additional parking facilities in Bacton under a leased arrangement with the landowner. He added that there was also a desire amongst residents in Walcott for additional parking to avoid congestion on the main road, and though a temporary car park had been established, discussions with the Parish Council continued to identify a permanent site.

vii.          The Chairman summarised three potential recommendations, including the promotion of the Council’s parking permits, continuing to review parking charges, and reviewing opportunities for the expansion of parking facilities, where appropriate.

viii.          Cllr L Withington thanked officers for the report and stated that she was in favour of continuing to review the Council’s parking charges. She proposed that she would like future reviews to include consideration of how the Council could support town centres.

ix.          In response to a question from Cllr N Pearce, it was confirmed that a two tier pricing structure was in place, with inland car parks fees lower than those in coastal areas.

 x.          The four aforementioned recommendations were proposed by Cllr L Withington and seconded by Cllr P Heinrich.

RESOLVED

1.      To recommend to Cabinet that promotion of the Council’s annual and seasonal parking permits is increased.

2.      To recommend to Cabinet that consideration is given to reviewing potential opportunities for new car parking sites, where appropriate.

3.      To recommend to Cabinet that consideration is given to offering limited free parking arrangements to encourage support of the District’s high streets.

4.      That the Committee continues to monitor car parking usage and fees on an annual basis, including a comparison of charges with neighbouring coastal authorities.