Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Chair noted that the Members of the Scrutiny Committee had agreed to scrutinise the following items from the Cabinet Board agenda:

-      Item 5: Commercial Property Grant: 14 Orchard Street, Neath (Pages 3 - 16)

-      Item 6: Parking Review Options Report 2023 (Pages 17 - 52)

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Chair noted that the Members of the Scrutiny Committee had agreed to scrutinise the following items from the Cabinet Board agenda:

Item 5: Commercial Property Grant: 14 Orchard Street, Neath (Pages 3 - 16)

Item 6: Parking Review Options Report 2023 (Pages 17 - 52)

There were none.

There were none.

To select appropriate items from the Cabinet Board agenda for Pre-Decision Scrutiny (Cabinet Board reports included for Scrutiny Members)

Commercial Property Grant: 14 Orchard Street, Neath

Following scrutiny, members were supportive of the recommendations to be considered by Cabinet Board.

Parking Review Options Report 2023

Following discussion, the following amendments were put forward by the scrutiny committee.

That recommendations 31-35 of the report be approved subject to the following amendments.

Option 6 - that the charging hours be amended to 9am to 6pm

Option 7 that the charging hours be 9am -6pm

That additional recommendation 1 reads that Blue badge holders be granted an extra hours parking on top of the existing tariffs in town centers, to reflect the additional time disabled people require, this is to ensure there is no adverse impact on disabled people as a result of the increase in hourly parking charges.

That an additional recommendation be added:

That a full consultation is undertaken on these proposals with the community, including businesses and residents before implementation of any changes

Following scrutiny, the recommendation was supported to the Cabinet Board with the amendments.

Commercial Property Grant: 14 Orchard Street, Neath

Members enquired whether there was a tenant secured for the building.

Officers advised there has been interest, but the condition of the building means nobody can go in until it is refurbished. Officers see it as an important building in relation to Gwyn Hall.

Members also enquired about the ownership of the building. Officers advised that the ownership isn’t included in the report, but officers can advise members outside of the meeting.

Members also expressed their praise for the team involved for bringing this scheme forward as it will enhance the area.

Following scrutiny, members were supportive of the recommendations to be considered by Cabinet Board.

Parking Review Options Report 2023

The Cabinet member for Strategic Planning, Transport and Connectivity thanked the chair for the invitation to the meeting and advised that he and the officers were happy to answer any questions.

The chair gave a brief overview and chronology of the Task and finish group and the report before the committee from the officers on the task and finish report recommendations.

Members highlighted that on the IIA assessment first stage, it states a further stage isn’t required as its only carpark users that are affected.

Members stated that because the Council doesn’t give discretionary amounts to disabled users for parking, that the statement in the IIA is wrong as disabled people do use car parks. Members also stated that as many disabled people are on fixed income, they wanted to know why the next stage assessment is not required.

Officers explained that the Blue Badge scheme applies to on street parking and that it does not apply to off street parking in terms of any concessions. Officers also advised that within the authorities’ car parks, the disabled parking bays are located as close to the exits and accesses to the car parks and the pay and display machines to aid with accessibility issues.

Officers advised that the Blue Badge scheme nationally is not fiscal or assessed on a means tested basis. Meaning that the ability to pay is not a consideration.

Members asked if as an authority they are taking cognisance of how it would be affecting disabled people on a fixed income. Members felt that the IIA didn’t take that into account.

Officers explained that there are some wider principles to consider. If someone has a car and are able to run, insure and tax it, then generally they are in a better financial position than a lot of residents within the local authority. Officers stated that car owners can generally afford to pay some contribution in terms of parking charges to help the Council maintain those facilities.

Officers highlighted for members that all of the car parks cost a considerable amount of money to maintain as well as the increase in energy costs, general maintenance of the buildings and security. Officers explained that there's a balance to be struck, but the Blue Badge scheme is not means tested so it's  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Any urgent items at the discretion of the Chairperson pursuant to Section 100BA(6)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

There were none.

There was none.