Following the Call-In by the Environment Overview and Scrutiny committee held on 30^th July 2020 6pm, the Committee resolved: That

(1)  The decision is to be referred back to Cllr Williamson, Cabinet Member for Finance, as decision taker in the absence of Cllr McManus.

(2)  The Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee welcomes the statement made by Cllr Williamson [to the Committee] and agrees that car parking charges remain suspended until October 2020, where the Policy & Resources Committee should be invited to review and consider the position at that time.

That car parking charges remain suspended until October 2020, where the Policy & Resources Committee should be invited to review and consider the position at that time.

There were several points raised at the meeting on 30 July relevant to the recommendation including:

·  Shops and business on Wirral had suffered as a result of the pandemic

·  Recovery was not assured because of the threats from online sales, concerns by people over shopping with masks; social distancing; reduced income

·  High streets may need to adapt to changing conditions and people may need to be encouraged back

·  An evidence based decision is needed once sufficient research can be undertaken, financial and with trade groups, and effects on different parts of society

·  Delaying the reintroduction of charges in country parks encourages use of the parks for exercise

·  Loss of income until October is recognised as a factor, which may be anywhere between £300,000 and up to £2m (£2m is a full year effect) and income loss will be dependent on potential usage (£2m is aligned to previous full year income).  In terms of estimating income loss, whilst difficult to predict in the current climate, a reduced footfall to town centres of 60%, would equate to a loss of related parking income of £270,000. It was recognised that, as part of the considerations, alternate budget proposals would be required to replace any lost income from car parking.

·  Parking enforcement has partially returned for parking on yellow lines and in limited timing zones.