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*RESOLVED –
 

1.  
That the recommended increases to the
fees and charges for car parks, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the
officer’s report, be approved for implementation from Monday
1 April 2024.
 

2.  
That a revision to the current
Residents Parking Scheme, to introduce a one-off tariff of £1
before 10am (Monday to Saturday) and a one-off tariff of £2
after 3pm (Monday to Saturday) and a one-off tariff of £2 on
a Sunday (all day) and £2 on Bank Holidays (all day), be
approved.
 

3.  
That the Service Director for
Leisure, Culture and Community Wellbeing, be delegated authority
with the Cabinet Member for Town Centre and Visitor Economy, to
apply appropriate negotiated fees and charges for new activities
and opportunities that arise during the period covered by this
report.
 
REASONS FOR DECISIONS
 

1.  
The Council continues to face
significant financial challenges. The sustained period of austerity
since 2010, the ongoing risks and uncertainties over future funding
arrangements, the budgetary impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and a
sustained period of exceptionally high inflation, have all impacted
on the Council’s financial position.
 

2.  
The Council’s budget strategy
is to deliver a balanced and sustainable budget. Given the forecast
budget deficits it is important that all potential increases to
income streams are implemented as soon as possible to help mitigate
these pressures.
 

3.  
It is therefore prudent to implement
an uplift to assist the Council in achieving a balanced budget for
2024-25 and to continue to recover ground on the increasing costs
associated with the delivery of car parking and other town centre
operations.