Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: December 16, 2025

Purpose: To provide an update on a number of matters pertaining to parking, including summary of the impacts on car park usage following the implementation of Civil Parking Enforcement.   To confirm the approach to be taken in respect of the implementation of agreed parking increases within the 25/26 MTFS - a 20p increase except for the all day tariff. The report seeks confirmation and delegation to implement the agreed increase, or seek confirmation via Council of the agreement to a Budget Policy variation to remove the planned increase or proceed with an alternative scheme.

Content: The Cabinet has noted the agreed MTFS baseline position in relation to parking charges and in particular the 20p increase, along with the other financial information included in the report.   The Cabinet has recommended to Council:    i.  to note that Cabinet agreed that the 20p increase as set out in the revenue budget should not be implemented in 2025/26. The detail of the charges will be considered and agreed in 2026/27 and will be considered against an updated Car Parking Strategy; and    ii.  to delegate authority to the Corporate Director (Finance and Resources) and Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources to make necessary changes to the Council’s finances, including movements from Reserves, to ensure that a balanced revenue budget position for 2025/26 is maintained.   

Reasons for the decision: To provide an update on a number of matters pertaining to parking, including summary of the impacts on car park usage following the implementation of Civil Parking Enforcement.

Alternative options considered: Option A: Do Nothing.   As outlined in the report.   Option B: Progress a charge increase as budget and MTFS.   As outlined in the report.   Option C: Do not progress any charge increase.   As outlined in the report.   Option D: Progress an alternate charge increase (2025/26).   As outlined in the report.   Option E: Defer and progress an alternate charge increase.   As outlined in the report.