Gary McBride, Transport and Environmental Regulations Manager
Ward Implications:
Throughout the Borough
1
Summary
1.1
The report provides the answers to the questions raised by the previous decision by this Committee on 13th June 2007 regarding implications for equality issues and the impact of the scheme on revenue for Annual and Half Yearly Car Parking Permits
1.2
The procedures introduced to implement the decisions of Members with regard to Business User permits have been subject to Equality Impact Assessment in line with the Councils Equalities Policy.
1.3
The introduction of the Business User permit has resulted in 5 applications. Of these, two are supplying 13 permits to visitors at a value between £2.5k and £7.7k per annum in potential car park machine revenue.
2
Recommendation
2.1
To note the report
3
Report
3.1
The report responds to the issues raised during discussions by this Committee on 13th June 2007. These related to equality issues and the impact of the scheme on revenue for Annual and Half Yearly Car Parking Permits
3.2
The procedures introduced to implement the decisions of Members with regard to Business User permits have been subject to Equality Impact Assessment in line with the Councils Equalities Policy.
3.3
Both the provision and the terms & conditions for the sale of Parking permits do not contravene the Councils policy contained in the Race Equality Scheme document. Market segmentation will be applied where appropriate and products will continue to be tailored to meet specific demands.
3.3
The introduction of the Business User permit has resulted in 5 applications from businesses to date. Of these, 2 are supplying 13 permits to visitors using accommodation.
3.4
An estimate of the potential loss of income, based on had these visitors paid at machines, is between £2.5k and £7.7k. The lower figure is based a the cost of a weekly permit at £9, multiplied by a 30 week season, multiplied by the 13 permits, less the initial costs. The higher figure presumes £4.50 paid 3 days per week over a 50 week season, multiplied by the 13 permits, less initial costs. These are indicative only.
3.5
As a unique selling point for the business, there is a perceived value to the visitor which impacts over the year on the Councils revenue. This is no greater than the impact from the potential loss of income through the sale of season permits in general.
4
Implications
4.1
Comments from the Council’s Section 151 Officer
The financial implications are contained in the main body of the report
4.2
Comments from the Council’s Monitoring Officer
No comment
4.3
Comments from the Head of Paid Service
None arising directly from this report.
4.4
Local Agenda 21
No issues arising directly from this report.
4.5
Equality
The arrangements comply with the Councils Inclusive Equalities Scheme
4.6
Crime and Disorder
None arising directly from this report.
5
Report Author
5.1
Gary McBride, Transport and Environmental Regulations Manager, Telephone (01289) 301862, Email gmc@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk
