PLEASE NOTE: This decision was ‘called-in’ and following consideration the decision was deferred until further consideration could be made by the Policy and Resources Committee in October 2020: http://s03vs-intrcm.core.wcent.wirral.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4720

The recommended option is considered to offer the most appropriate compromise and balance between council income loss, economic recovery of local businesses and public health implications.

The council is potentially able, subject to sufficiency of resource received, to recover lost car parking income from the start of lockdown in March 2020, until the more extensive re-opening of high street retail and hospitality outlets on 4 July 2020, from Covid-19 related funding made available from government.  Any costs and losses relating to parking income beyond 4 July 2020 may not be eligible and would need to be recovered from alternative council budgets.  The reduction in income for a further one month suspension of charges is estimated to be in the region of £30,000 to £50,000 based on an initial estimated 30% parking demand compared with pre COVID usage.

Resolved – That

1.  a further one month suspension of charges beyond phase 2 of high street re-opening on 4 July 2020, be agreed; and

2.  parking charges be re-introduced at previous rates across all off street and on street Council facilities with effect from Monday 3 August 2020.

The various options for reintroducing car parking charges and what other authorities are doing in respect of car parking charges are set out in table form in the attached appendices attached to this notice.

Appendix 1 – Options for reintroducing car parking charges

Appendix 2 – What other authorities are doing