Agenda and minutes

Apologies for non attendance were received from Councillors Bradley, Marshall, Maynard.

There were none.

The Mayor advised that he had received a large number of compliments about the Falklands Commemoration and would like to place on record thanks to staff for the event. He advised that he had attended a large number of jubilee events all of which had been successful.

(NOTE: Standing Order No 3.4 requires that notice of a Deputation should be received by the Borough Solicitor NOT LATER THAN 12 O’CLOCK NOON ON TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2022 and likewise Standing Order No 3.5 requires that notice of a Public Question should be received by the Borough Solicitor NOT LATER THAN 12 O’CLOCK NOON ON TUESDAY, 7 JUNE 2022).

A Deputation was received from Stephanie Suter.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak here today, to voice the concerns that many of us have with the proposed changes to car parking in Gosport and Lee On The Solent.  Whilst we welcome the proposed introduction of an hours free parking in Town Centre, we do not feel this should come at the cost of a 10% increase in fees elsewhere and the loss of 3 hours free parking along the sea fronts and Alver Valley Country Park.

Increasing car parking charges by 10% may only be a few extra pence an hour, but this has a huge impact on those already facing financial hardship. Until you have found yourself having to choose between paying the electricity bill or putting fuel in the car, or having to put back a tin of smart price beans because you are 10 pence short on your food shop you will never truly understand the cost of living crisis and the impact a few pence price increase will have on your constituents who find themselves in this situation.

 The impact assessment regarding the car parking changes states the benefits that an hours free parking in town centre will provide various demographics, but it does not cover the negative consequences an additional 10% on parking charges and the loss of three hours of parking will have on these same demographics There are many groups and individuals that currently utilise the free parking along the sea front and Alver Valley, especially in the mornings; local photographers, run clubs, park run, junior park run, open water swimmers, dog walkers, walkers, new parents and many more early morning users will lose their access or face having to pay. Buying a permit isn't always an option as it requires £85 up front and is linked to a single car, removing the ability to car pool and lift share to share the fuel burden. The elderly population highlighted in the impact assessment as benefitting from an hours free parking in town are frequent visitors to the seafront, enjoying a morning walk for both physical and mental wellbeing before the prom gets busy

Lee on Solent parkrun is set up and run by a large number of volunteers who currently only have to pay for one hour parking as they arrive at 8am for set up and leave around 11 after clear down. The event averages 400 participants each week who currently park for free which is a major drawing factor. This could drive them away and would put the event at risk.

Junior park run, held at Stokes Bay each week has over 50 participants aged 4 and up. This instils a healthy way of life from school age onwards, introducing parking charges could drive away volunteers and deter parents from paying for their children to take part - at a time when childhood obesity rates are increasing, do we really want to discourage a free weekly fitness event?  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

(NOTE: Members are reminded that Standing Order No 3.3 requires that Notice of Question pursuant to that Standing Order must be received by the Borough Solicitor NOT LATER THAN 12 O’CLOCK NOON ON WEDNESDAY 8 JUNE 2022)

A question was received in the name of Councillor Chegwyn

What is the reason for discriminatory parking charges that adversely impact those parking in Gosport Town Centre for more than 2 hours? 

It was answered as follows.

The question should be directed at the Conservative Party as they brought in the car parking charges, which Liberal Democrats have always been against. The proposals were not discriminatory, but would address the unbalance of the previous decision to make charges equal.

           BOARD                                                                     DATE

Policy and Organisation Board                                        30 May 2022                                 

Consideration was given to reports of the Policy and Organisation Board recommended for consideration and approval by the Full Council.

Free Short Term Car Parking

In line with Standing Order 4.12.1 it was requested that the vote be recorded.

For the recommendation: Councillor Ballard, Mervin Bradley, Chegwyn, Cox, Cully, Durrant, Earle, Hammond, Herridge, Hylands, Johnston, Kelly, Pepper, Westerby, The Mayor

Against the recommendation Councillor Beavis, Burgess, Casey, Gledhill, Huggins, Jessop, Morgan, Philpott, Raffaelli and Scard.

RESOLVED: That the recommendation be carried.

Report to follow.

Consideration was given to a report of the Borough Solicitor and Monitoring Officer detailing amendment to the Constitution so as to remove standing order 5.11 “Reference to Council (Service Boards only)” also known as the minority order.

In accordance with Standing Order 4.12.4 a recorded vote was requested and taken as follows

FOR the recommendation: Councillors Ballard, Mervin Bradley, Chegwyn, Cox, Earle, Hammond, Herridge, Hylands, Johnston, Kelly, Pepper, Westerby, The Mayor.

AGAINST the recommendation: Councillors Beavis, Burgess, Casey, Cully, Durrant, Gledhill, Huggins, Jessop, Morgan, Philpott, Raffaelli, Scard.

RESOLVED:  That the Council approves the amendment to the Constitution to remove standing order 5.11 “Reference to Council (Service Boards only)” appearing at Part 4 Schedule 11 to take place with immediate effect.

An update on Outside Body Appointments.

RESOLVED: That Councillor Hammond be elected as the outside body representative on the Coastal Partnership and that Councillor Kelly replace Councillor K Bradley on the Food Partnership.

There were none.