Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Dent (Substitute: Councillor Sadza), Garston (Substitute: Councillor McMahon) and Poulton (Substitute: Councillor McMullan).

The following interests were declared at the meeting:

(i) Councillor McMahon - Minute No. 3 (2024 – 2025 Fees and Charges, On-Street and Off-Street (Full Council Budget Amendment)) – Lives in an area where there is a residents’ permit scheme; and

(ii) Councillor Terry – Minute No. 3 (2024 – 2025 Fees and Charges, On-Street and Off-Street (Full Council Budget Amendment)) – Lives in Eastern Esplanade but not in the area affected by the proposals.

The Working Party received a report of the Executive Director (Environment & Place) that presented the responses received during the statutory consultation regarding parking charges as per the budget amendment approved at the meeting of the Council held on 22nd February 2024.  The report also sought the appropriate recommendations of the Working Party to the Cabinet Committee in relation to the Traffic Regulation Orders for the implementation of the 2024/2025 Parking Fees and Charges both On-street (PTO1084) and Off-street (PTO1085).

It was noted that the statutory consultation period for both the on- and off- Street Traffic Regulation Orders had been advertised from14th March 2024, until 11th April 2024. Usually, the consultation is for a period of 21 days; however, an additional 7 days was given, due to the Easter weekend. Extending the consultation period ensured adequate time for responses to be submitted.

The Working Party was informed that two further representations had been received which had not been included in the report. Copies of these were circulated at the meeting.

In accordance with the Council Procedure Rules in respect of Traffic Regulation Orders Ms Waite, a local business owner, attended the meeting to present her representation in person.

The Working Party discussed the matter in detail and asked a number of questions which were responded to by the Chair and Officer.

Resolved:-

That Cabinet Committee be recommended:

1. That the comments received during the statutory consultation period, set out in paragraph 11 of the submitted report and Appendix A be noted.

2. That the Traffic Regulation Orders formalising all the amendments as agreed within the Budget Amendment submitted and subsequently approved at the meeting of Council held on 22nd February 2024 be confirmed and an implemented as advertised.

3. That the operational changes as required be implemented by 1st June 2024 with an effective date of 1st July 2024 or as soon as is appropriate thereafter.

(Councillor Cox requested that his vote against the above decisions be recorded.)