Agenda item

To consider the following Notice of Motion, which has been submitted by Cllr Sue Carter pursuant to Standing Order 10 (1):

“This Council recognises the huge challenges facing local businesses, particularly those in our town centres.

This Council also recognises that with alternative shopping options available in other town centres nearby and out of town that parking charges discourage many people from visiting Farnborough and Aldershot.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·         Task a cross-party group to explore the feasibility of free or discounted town centre parking at certain times to report back in time for the Budget.

·         Consult town centre businesses, existing users, other residents and potential town centre investors about their likely response to free parking.”

With the consent of the Council, under Standing Order 14(9), the Council considered an altered Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr Sue Carter on Town Centre Parking, as set out below:

“This Council:

• Recognises the huge challenges facing local businesses, particularly those in our town centres. 
• Acknowledges that with alternative shopping options available in other town centres, as well as the growth of online shopping, parking charges may discourage people from visiting Farnborough and Aldershot. 
• Observes that forthcoming option of setting up town councils could lead to changes which allow for more support to be provided to town centres and local economies, making consideration of the matter timely.
• Believes that any discussions or consultations on this issue need to be informed by detailed evidence. 
• Recognises the heavy workload placed upon Council Officers and the desirability to avoid duplication of effort. 

Therefore, this Council:

• Requests officers, under guidance from PPAB, to develop a suitable method of consulting residents, local businesses and potential investors about the likely impact of free or discounted parking and how it could work best. 
• Requests the Portfolio Holder to present the findings of feasibility investigations to PPAB to allow it to make recommendations to the Cabinet in time for next year's budget.”

In PROPOSING the altered Motion, Cllr Carter highlighted the pressures small businesses were under and the financial struggles residents were facing. By offering free or discounted parking, it was hoped that this would encourage more shoppers to visit and businesses to consider locating in our town centres. Through the Policy and Project Advisory Board, the impacts could be investigated and reported in time for the 2026/27 budget. In SECONDING the altered Motion, Cllr Taylor felt that shoppers needed to be encouraged daily to visit our towns and funding pots, and the UKSPF fund could help with this.

During discussion, it was noted that action was already being taken to encourage shoppers into the town centres through events and activities, and data had shown that these actions had already had a positive impact on footfall. Free parking was also being offered on 7th, 14th and 21st December to encourage shoppers in the run up to Christmas. It was also felt that by offering free or discounted parking, the Council would be sending a strong message of support to local businesses by finding and supporting a practical solution to benefit everyone.

In addition, it was suggested that consideration could be given to the option of 20-30 minutes free parking for those visiting the town centres to make a quick collection or drop off, or set all day parking fees. Also, to consider what support could be given to those that don’t drive and use public transport to visit the town centres, and to blue badge holders. 

However, it was noted that it was important to understand the financial implications and the effect it would have on the budget. The point was raised as whether the funds could be spent elsewhere to support small businesses and attract shoppers to the town centres.

The altered Motion was put to the meeting. There voted FOR: 34; AGAINST: 0; ABSTAIN: 0 and the altered Motion was DECLARED CARRIED unanimously.