Purpose

Cabinet to receive an update on the progress with delivering the Parking Strategy and agree to approve the market testing of the parking enforcement service.

Decision

The report set out the progress that had been made following the adoption of the Council’s Parking Strategy in February 2024 and provided an update on the progress for the outsourcing of parking enforcement services. The parking enforcement service had never achieved optimum performance due to significant resourcing and operational challenges, which had significantly impacted on parking compliance as well as creating an inability for targeted and intelligent deployment. The current model for delivering parking enforcement services, with its continued resourcing challenges, was not sustainable and created financial and reputational risks to the Council.

The model for parking services had been reviewed including outsourcing of the enforcement functions and work had been undertaken to prepare for a tender process which would commence in November 2025. The proposed outsourced model would move the service to an ‘intelligence led, compliance based’ service that sought to deliver a minimum of 90% compliance with the parking regulations and embraced technology and innovation. The proposed model should provide well managed, efficient, resilient and cost[1]effective parking services, which would increase prosperity and improve the environment. The current programme was to award contract to the preferred bidder in January 2026 and for implementation in June 2026, allowing for TUPE and mobilisation.

RESOLVED that

1. the progress made with the implementation of the parking strategy be noted.
2. the high-level specification for the outsourcing of parking enforcement services as set out in the report be approved.
3. approval of the final specification for outsourcing of parking enforcement services be delegated to the Corporate Director for Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities.
4. the market testing for parking enforcement services be approved.
5. the timetable for the procurement exercise and contract award be noted.
6. the award of contract to the preferred bidder following evaluation, subject to being within the approved budget, be delegated to the Corporate Director for Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities.