The West Suffolk Council Cabinet met on Tuesday 19 May 2026, approving changes to parking tariffs to support town centres, introducing stricter emissions standards for taxis and private hire vehicles, and adopting a new policy for private sector housing enforcement.

High Street Competitiveness Fund

The Cabinet approved changes to parking business rules and tariff bands, along with the evaluation framework for a free parking pilot scheme. These measures are part of the High Street Competitiveness Package, funded with up to £600,000 per annum for two years, aimed at boosting town centre vitality and economic growth across West Suffolk's market towns. The pilot scheme includes free parking between 8am and 10am on Mondays at Bury St Edmunds' ARC car park, and a first-hour free parking trial in specific car parks in Newmarket and Haverhill. New pay and display machines with vehicle registration mark entry will be installed, and a variation to the Traffic Regulation Order was approved to implement these changes. The pilot will be evaluated over 24 months, with a 12-month review to assess its financial impact, footfall, and economic indicators.

West Suffolk Council Taxis and Private Hire Vehicle Emissions

A decision was made to remove the maximum age limit on taxis at first registration and introduce an emissions standard equivalent to Euro 6 or above for all new licensed vehicles, effective from 1 July 2026. This aligns with Department for Transport best practice guidance and the policies of neighbouring councils such as Babergh and Mid Suffolk. A public consultation found that 84% of respondents supported this change. The feedback from the consultation regarding extending this measure to vehicle renewals was noted, with further engagement planned before any implementation. Future emission standards will be delegated to the Director (Housing, Communities and Regulatory), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Regulatory.

West Suffolk Council's Approach to Private Sector Housing Enforcement

The Cabinet approved a new 'Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy' to align with the duties and powers introduced by the Renters' Rights Act 2025. This policy aims to protect tenants and improve standards in the private rented sector by enabling robust and proportionate enforcement. The new approach will see enforcement action taken unless compliance is swiftly achieved, with landlords needing to address non-compliance rapidly. The policy also includes minor amendments to the Corporate Enforcement Policy. A 12-month review will be undertaken to assess the impact of the new policy. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduces new duties for landlords and expands civil penalties, with fines potentially ranging from £3,000 to £40,000 for serious offences.

Annual Review and Appointment of the Cabinet's Joint Committee and Working Groups/Panels

The Cabinet agreed to continue operating several joint committees and working groups for the 2026-2027 year. These include the Staff Consultative Panel, the West Suffolk Grant Working Party, and the West Suffolk Local Plan Working Group, all operating under their respective terms of reference. It was noted that the Monitoring Officer, on the nomination of Group Leaders, may appoint membership to these groups. The Cabinet also noted that informal advisory panels may be established by the Leader as required. The appointments to the Anglia Revenues and Benefits Partnership Joint Committee were confirmed as having been made for the remainder of the current administration's term.