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Question from: County Councillor Pete Lewington Subject: Car Park Review
Question: Following the conclusion of the final workshop reporting on Powys parking strategy on 10th January 2024 we were promised a final report setting out the results of the review and recommendations/conclusions reached by the end of January.
This promise was also enshrined in the recommendations in the car park review report authored by the Head of Highways and dated 19th September 2023 which stated that “the service will seek prompt conclusion of the review and we are expecting to report back in full no later than January 2024”
As the portfolio holder will remember as part of last year’s budget setting process car park tariff charges and increases were made that raised significant concerns from members and these very valid concerns led to the portfolio holder agreeing to this review.
Due to the importance of this matter to members and the wider Powys public and with decisions on this years budget looming can the portfolio holder tell me when she will deliver on her promise to publish this report.
Minutes: Response by the Cabinet Member:
Dear Cllr Pete
Thank you for your email and your desire to get the Car Park Review back to the working groups for consideration.
I acknowledge your concerns that the review has not yet been completed, and I recognise the original time frame set by the working group last autumn was too tight. It was a very ambitious turn-around for a complex report considering all the suggestions and concerns raised. There has not been a review of Car Parks in Powys for many years and it’s a big county with many car parks both charging and free. It was clear from the responses of the working groups that each town had their own issues and responded accordingly. We are doing our best to reflect those issues in the report. We have also learnt some valuable lessons in setting ambitious timeframes when the need for engagement was crucial to the outcomes.
As you are aware there has been a good level of engagement by members and stakeholders at the workshops and, as mentioned, has resulted in a wide range of suggestions requiring consideration. I can assure you the consultant’s report is nearing completion, and I am expecting a draft report to be presented to the working group early in March for members and stakeholders to consider and respond to.
Following the presentation of the report from the consultants, we will be returning to the Scrutiny Committee prior to a decision being made by Cabinet. Any recommendations that are adopted by the Cabinet will be progressed and implemented as promptly as possible.
You will be aware that I am fully supportive of the review and wish to draw this to a sensible and speedy conclusion whilst recognising the need to ensure it delivers on the original remit to improve our car parks, address charging and enforcement and supports our Climate & Nature Emergency targets and ambitions.
Cllr Jackie
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