Agenda item

Budget Management 2021/22 Progress Report April to September 2021

Councillor Llewellyn-Burke proposed the item noting that the forecast revenue outturn position for 2021/22 at the end of September shows a projected net overspend of £311,000 against the original budget. The unbudgeted leisure costs and leisure sports consultancy costs will be met from the leisure covid support specific reserve. Separately a claim has also been submitted to the income compensation scheme and it is estimated that the Council will receive £377,000.  The Deputy Leader outlined the recommendations noting that overall the revised capital revenue projects stands at £12.8m; projects which make a positive contribution to living and working in Mid Sussex.  The item was seconded by Councillor Ash-Edwards

The Chairman took Members to the recommendations as contained in the report which were agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

Council approved:

(i)         That £500,000 be transferred to the Job Evaluation / Redundancy Specific Reserve as detailed in paragraph 29 of the Cabinet report;

(ii)        the variations to the Capital Programme contained in paragraph 42 of the Cabinet report in accordance with the Council’s Financial Procedure rule B3.

Introduction of Flexible Season Tickets and Review of Pay and Display Parking Charges

Councillor Hillier proposed the item noting the need to facilitate amendments to season ticket charging as the current offering is not suitable in the post covid environment. He acknowledged this is one of several recommendations from the Parking Strategy Working Group along with a need to set a base level for pay and display charges, which have not been increased for 10 years.

Several Members sought to consider differential charging based on individual towns and car parks. The Cabinet Member acknowledged the concerns raised regarding Burgess Hill and noted that it could be considered by the Scrutiny Committee at a later stage. He reiterated that it is not yet possible to determine the full effects of Covid on people’s shopping behaviour and the proposed increase was of an acceptable level to not adversely affect shopping habits.

A Member raised concern over the loss of spaces for shoppers in favour of season ticket holders, and the cost in relation to the railway carpark. The subject of digital improvements to parking was discussed and it was noted that it is an aspiration of the Council to improve the digital platform. It was acknowledged that car parks are there for the primary purpose of supporting the local economy and it is important to invest in them. The current proposals will allow revenue to be generated to progress this investment further. Work Place Parking Levy was also discussed although it may be more suited to larger cities. The Council has monitoring data available to address any issues that may come up regarding the number of spaces available, and it is not expected for the season tickets to impact shoppers parking.

The Cabinet Member confirmed that the proposed changes are subject to a statutory consultation which was clarified as being 21 days and will include the public and key partners. Any decision made following the consultation will follow the Council’s decision-making processes. The item was seconded by Councillor Ash-Edwards who reiterated that the proposed charges were competitive to neighbouring Local Authorities and are modest and reasonable.

The Chairman took Members to the recommendations as contained in the report which were agreed by the majority with 2 objections and 4 abstentions.

RESOLVED

Council approved, subject to consultation:

(i)         The introduction of flexible 3, 5 and 6 day season tickets;

(ii)        The introduction of new tariffs, as outlined in Paragraph 16 of the Cabinet report.

(iii)       An annual inflationary review of parking charges thereafter.