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.

Content

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.