RESOLVED:

1. The Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel recommended that Cabinet take into account its reference set out in paragraph 2.8 of the report when making future decisions on the strategic approach to parking charges and on the associated public consultation.

Councillor Tobin Byers, the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health presented the report, thanking the scrutiny panel for their work and advising that this was one part of the consultation process, with further consultation planned in due course.

Councillor Martin Whelton, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Housing and Transport reiterated points raised by Councillor Byers and stated that Scrutiny had looked thoroughly at the policy. Noting the reference, Councillor Whelton felt that there was a strong case in terms of air quality issues and that parking charges would play a key role in reducing car usage.

The Director of Environment and Regeneration noted that the reference sought additional evidence and advised that this would be made available as part of the consultation process.

At the invitation of the Chair, Councillor Peter Southgate spoke on the scrutiny reference on behalf of the Chair of the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel and gave an overview of the discussions which had taken place. The Panel had heard and considered evidence from three representatives who had raised various points and a recommendation had been brought to Cabinet following these discussions.

RESOLVED:

1. The Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel recommended that Cabinet take into account its reference set out in paragraph 2.8 of the report when making future decisions on the strategic approach to parking charges and on the associated public consultation.