In his 22 June 2010 Budget, the Chancellor of the Exchequer had announced an increase in the standard rate of VAT to 20% from 4 January 2011.  A report by the Director of Finance set out the implications of the increase in the standard rate for the Council.

Councillor Lesley Rennie outlined proposals (to support Christmas shopping) for parking in the run up to Christmas and the Cabinet considered the need to waive the call-in process in respect of it.

RESOLVED: That

(1)  the change to the standard rate of VAT from 4 January 2011 be implemented on all VAT exclusive charges;

(2)  the loss of income on VAT inclusive charges of £100,000 be noted; and

(3)  Christmas free parking 2010: to implement as per previous years a “Free from Three” policy on the three Thursdays before Christmas on the 9, 16 and 23 December, in the shoppers’ car parks in Birkenhead, Liscard, Heswall and West Kirby and also free parking all day on Boxing Day (Sun 26^th Dec 2010) and New Years Day (Sat 1^st Jan 2011);

(4)  to support local shopping districts and local businesses to introduce a “Free” Saturday morning (ie: no charges between 8am and 12 midday) in the following districts on the following days:

Heswall and West Kirby   – Saturday, 4 December

Liscard  – Saturday, 11 December

Birkenhead  – Saturday, 18 December

(5)  the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management enter into negotiations with the owner of the Cherry Tree Centre Car Park in Liscard to see if the Council can assist with allowing them to make the same offer to their shoppers;

(6)  the Council embark upon an advertising and publicity campaign to market and support these proposals.

(7)  the total cost of these measures, which is estimated at £14,500 is to be met from the Council balances; and

(8)  in order to implement before Christmas, call-in on this matter be waived.