Issue - meetings

To consider a motion referred to the Committee by Council on 13^th October 2011 relating to delegated powers to vary car parking charges.

Council on 13^th October 2011 had considered the following motion by Councillor D Brickhill, seconded by Councillor A Moran, and had referred the motion to the Constitution Committee:

“That the delegated powers to officers to alter car parking charges be rescinded and the powers returned to the Cabinet Member.”

The existing delegations within the Constitution in relation to fees and charges were contained within paragraph 9.1 of the ‘Powers and Responsibilities of Officers’ section of the Constitution, which provided that “CMT Members shall determine the level of fees or charges payable in respect of any chargeable goods or services supplied”. In accordance with the existing constitutional provisions, to date decisions to approve variations to the charges made in relation to the use of off-street parking places had been taken by the Strategic Director (Places & Organisational Capacity) in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services.

Members felt that the setting of car parking charges were a matter of significant public concern and often local ward Members were not adequately notified or consulted. It was felt that such decisions should be taken by the relevant Cabinet Member at a public meeting, with an opportunity for local ward Members to comment, and for decisions to be subject to call-in and review if necessary.

RESOLVED

That Council be recommended to agree

(1)   that the Constitution be amended to provide that decisions relating to the variation of off-street parking places charges are made by the relevant Cabinet Member at a portfolio holder meeting; and

(2)   that the Borough Solicitor be authorised to make such changes to the Constitution as she considers necessary.