Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendations.

Councillor Thomas introduced the report which provided information on the proposal to further extend the suspension of car parking charges until 30^th June 2021, and provided details of the financial impact of that proposal.  The extension would support the re-opening of town centres once lockdown restrictions were removed, and support town centre regeneration efforts such as those undertaken in June 2020.

            The report also sought support to explore alternative methods of contactless payment for car parking charges once charging was reintroduced.

Members welcomed the report which they felt would help to support local business recovery. 

The Chief Executive explained the rationale of the second recommendation on the possibility of extending the period, as it was not yet known when lockdown would ease. Welsh Government (WG) had confirmed that the Council could apply for lost income for Quarters 1-2 of 2021/22 with no confirmed funding availability for Quarters 3-4. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the suspension of car parking charges in Flintshire’s town centre car parks until 30^th June 2021 be approved;

(b)       That delegated authority be given to the Chief Executive, after discussions with the Deputy Leader and portfolio holder, to further extend the car parking charge suspension arrangement until 30^th September 2021, if the circumstances in place at the time support such a move; and

(c)        That a review of alternative methods of payment for parking charges such as contactless payment or pay by phone be supported.