Issue - meetings

The Panel are invited to comment on the Combined Authority Mayoral Car Parking Subsidy Cabinet Report.

Clarification was sought on whether any assessment had been undertaken to determine both the beneficiaries of the proposal and those who would bear its cost. He expressed concern that the Organisation could be perceived as endorsing, or partially funding, a campaign commitment, with the associated costs ultimately being met through council tax contributions, including by residents who may derive no direct benefit from the proposal.

The Panel was reminded that the decision to allocate funding in this manner was a matter for the Mayor, who had chosen to utilise his budget accordingly. It was noted that the budget from which the funding was drawn was funded by contributions from across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Further information was requested regarding the financial implications of the proposal. She sought clarification on whether any additional or indirect costs would be incurred, including costs associated with updating parking payment infrastructure. She also enquired about any costs that might arise upon the conclusion or withdrawal of the Scheme and requested confirmation of the duration for which the funding would be available.

In addition, sight of the supporting business case was requested, including evidence relating to anticipated impacts on town centre footfall. The importance of establishing baseline data and projected outcomes was emphasised, noting that it would otherwise be difficult to assess the economic success of the Scheme or determine the impact of any additional funding provided.

The Panel was advised that, as this was a Mayoral Scheme, responsibility for undertaking the associated research and developing the supporting evidence base rested with the Mayor. It was noted that the Council’s role was limited to its inclusion within the Scheme as a provider of car parking facilities and that undertaking such research did not fall within the Council’s remit.

Their attention was drawn to section 8:2:5 of the report which included a breakdown of the costs requested by the Member.

The Panel noted that the Mayor’s manifesto had indicated that funding would be made available to support the implementation of a free car parking scheme. He sought clarification on the process by which the various options had been considered and evaluated, and how the proposal had developed from the Mayor’s initial approach to the recommended Scheme now before the Panel.

It was advised that no initial budget envelope had been proposed for the Council. Following early discussions, the Organisation considered the comments received and subsequently provided indicative costings to the Combined Authority to support the further development and refinement of the proposal. Officers have highlighted the associated financial implications to ensure that the Combined Authority is fully aware of the potential budgetary impact of the option under consideration.

Confirmation was requested that the Mayor was the one who asked for the 4pm to 6pm scheme as set out in the main report which was confirmed to the Panel that yes this was correct.

Concern was expressed regarding the latest letter from the Mayor, which had been circulated to the Panel as a supplementary document. He  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15