To consider the submitted report on proposed increases to beach hut charges.

The Council considered the submitted report setting out a proposed revision to beach hut charges.  The report formed part of the Council’s review of all its service areas to improve productivity and maximise income generation.

It was proposed by Councillor Pritchard and seconded by Councillor Tyerman:

that the proposed revision to beach and amenity charges for 2012/13 as detailed at Appendix 1 to the submitted report be approved.

On being put to the vote, the motion was declared carried (unanimous).

To consider the submitted report setting out the recommendations of the Transport Working Party on the above.

The Council established the Productivity Improvement Programme (PIP) in October 2010 to identify significant savings and meet the financial challenges over the next four years.  The submitted report set out the PIP’s review of parking services.  The Council was requested to make recommendations to the Mayor and consider the funding for the investment of new equipment and services.

It was proposed by Councillor Excell and seconded by Councillor Hill:

(i)                 that the Mayor approve the recommendations of the Transport Working Party in respect of the outcome of the Parking Review identified below:

o       Clamp persistent PCN evaders who do not pay their fines – clamping to be implemented when there are over 5 outstanding fines unpaid on a vehicle.

o       Rent space to car washing and valeting services in car parks.

o       Increase the cost of parking permits for off street car parks by 10%.

o       Review of seasonal tariffs in relation to non seasonal tariff rates (being developed separately, and will be advertised in accordance with good practice for implementation from 1 January 2012).

o       Use mobile enforcement vehicles to enforce illegal parking at schools/bus stops and where necessary to improve safety.

o       Offer parking management solutions to private car park operators.

o       Differentiate off street parking charges related to location (being developed separately, and will be advertised in accordance with good practice for implementation from 1 January 2012).

o       Review options on provision of parking charges for disabled permit holders and charge a nominal administration fee of £20 for permits at renewal.

o       Charge skip providers the on street parking charges as well as the skip licence where located on chargeable spaces.

o       Introduce more on street parking areas (as proposed in Appendices 6 and 7 to the submitted report), subject to evidence of return on investment and details of payback period being to the satisfaction of the Executive Head of Finance, in consultation with the Executive Lead for Finance and Audit.

o       Review management options of on street and off street motorbike parking areas.

o       Provide additional commercial advertising hoarding space in car parks.

o       Pay on exit options in car parks if the business case shows a return on investment within four years.  Business case to be signed off by the Executive Head of Finance in consultation with the Executive Lead for Finance and Audit.

(ii)               that the Mayor be recommended to authorise the advertisement of Orders introducing paying parking places (parking meters) on highways as identified in Appendices 6 and 7 to the submitted report subject to evidence of return on investment and details of payback period being to the satisfaction of the Executive Head of Finance, in consultation with the Executive Lead for Finance and Audit;

(iii)             that the Mayor be recommended to authorise the Commissioner for Place and Environment, in consultation with the Executive Lead for Safer Communities and Transport, to consider any objections received and approve or reject the making of any such Orders;  and

(iv)              that, the Council approves  ...  view the full minutes text for item 358

To consider the submitted report on the above.

The Council received a report on a proposal in response to the need to generate income to help offset the impact of budget savings within the Spatial Planning Team and to better recover the costs of providing a high quality Spatial Planning Service.  There would be in interim charging policy for six months with a view to developing a comprehensive charging schedule which would be effective from April 2012.

It was proposed by Councillor Thomas (D) and seconded by Councillor McPhail:

(i)         that Torbay Council implements the interim charging schedule set out in paragraph A1.7 of the submitted report, with effect from 1 November 2011 to 31 March 2012 at the latest; and

(ii)        that Torbay Council develops, over the next 6 months, a comprehensive charging schedule for pre-application advice, based on the charging schedule set out in paragraph A1.9 of the submitted report and the further risks / opportunities to be explored. 

On being put to the vote, the motion was declared carried.

To consider a report on the above matter.

To consider information on the Revenue Income Optimisation project, including how each of the business cases will be progressed.

The Board considered a report providing information on the Revenue Income Optimisation (RIO) project, including how each of the business cases would be progressed.  The Business Change Manager indicated to the Board that the final draft of each business case could be provided to Overview and Scrutiny if requested.  The Executive Lead Member for Governance advised the Board that the RIO business cases were not finalised or decided and were subject to consultation.

In response to questions, the Board was advised that the proposals within each business case had originated from officers within the relevant area and that wider consultation was necessary for some proposals.  The Board was informed that total consultancy costs for three pieces of work, including the RIO project, were approximately £425,000 and that savings identified totalled £18 million over five years.  With specific reference to the RIO project, the Board was advised that a target of £3 million of new or increased income had been identified over the next three years.  The Board was advised that a yearly breakdown of the £3 million figure could be provided to members.

In reply to questions, the Board was informed that a bed tax had not been considered, that schools might be charged for support for individual children, and that the current proposal to charge for pre-application planning advice would not apply to householders but might be extended in future. 

Members questioned the practicality of enforcing charges for damage by cars to the highway and grass verges.  In response, the meeting was advised that charges would apply to residents that had made informal access to their own property.

Members suggested a fall in income from the ending of wedding bookings at OldwayMansion should be recognised and that a non-returnable bookings charge be introduced.  In reply to questions concerning a reduction in wedding bookings income, the Board was advised of a reduction in availability of the Spanish Barn, Torre Abbey, Torquay. 

Members asked for details of the consultation process for each business case and clarification of the consultation strategy.  The Board was advised that the consultation strategy and details of the process were available from the Consultation Research Manager.

(Note:  Prior to consideration of the item in Minute 280, Councillor Barnby declared a personal interest as a regular supporter and temporary worker of Torquay United Football Club.)

(Note:  Prior to consideration of the item in Minute 280, Councillor Parrott declared a personal interest as a supporter of Torquay United Football Club.)

(Note:  Prior to consideration of the item in Minute 280, Councillor Pentney declared a personal interest due to her granddaughter receiving support from Children’s Services.)

(Note:  Prior to consideration of the item in Minute 280, Councillor Stringer declared a personal interest as a shareholder in Torquay United Football Club.)