Agenda item

To consider Motions submitted under procedure Rule 14.

Minutes:

A)Government Funding Cuts to Thames Valley Police

It was moved by Councillor Mann,

Seconded by Councillor Nazir,

 

“Council agrees with the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) that £100 million of government cuts to Thames Valley Police (TVP) has created budget pressures that risks leading to ‘unacceptable reductions in resources which would impact frontline policing and result in a service less able to respond to demand.’ Therefore Council resolves that the Leader of the Council write to the PCC to establish;

 

·  What further ‘unacceptable reductions in resources’ will result from the next round of funding reductions, totalling £15 million, announced for TVP funding over the next 4 years;

·  How this will affect crime levels which have already risen 8.7% over the past year and increased 999 calls by 11.1%

·  What plans are in place to increase 101 call centre staff given that staffing reductions have lead to an increase in average pick up times of 6 minutes

·   Given that the 12% rise in the police element of council tax, combined with £100 million government cuts have led to 50% of police funding now falling directly on local taxpayers what plans does the PCC have to secure more real terms funding from Government.”

The motion was put to the vote and carried with 28 votes For, 4 Against and 2 Abstentions.

 

Resolved –

 

Council agrees with the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) that £100 million of government cuts to Thames Valley Police (TVP) has created budget pressures that risks leading to ‘unacceptable reductions in resources which would impact frontline policing and result in a service less able to respond to demand.’ Therefore Council resolves that the Leader of the Council write to the PCC to establish;

 

·  What further ‘unacceptable reductions in resources’ will result from the next round of funding reductions, totalling £15 million, announced for TVP funding over the next 4 years;

·  How this will affect crime levels which have already risen 8.7% over the past year and increased 999 calls by 11.1%

·  What plans are in place to increase 101 call centre staff given that staffing reductions have lead to an increase in average pick up times of 6 minutes

·   Given that the 12% rise in the police element of council tax, combined with £100 million government cuts have led to 50% of police funding now falling directly on local taxpayers what plans does the PCC have to secure more real terms funding from Government.

 

(Councillors M.Holledge and N.Holledge left the meeting)

 

B)Town Centre Parking

It was moved by Councillor Smith,

Seconded by Councillor Strutton,

 

“This Council resolves to

a)  Acknowledge:

·  That with Slough being ranked as the 5th most deprived local authority within the South East, it is crucial we reduce access barriers such as expensive town centre parking which presents a key challenge for residents.

·  The results of the Council town centre survey support this, with 53% of residents naming free parking as one of the top priorities.

· Two thirds of respondents (64%) do not visit the Town Centre in the evening at all.

·Slough’s significant decline in retail ranking [to] 190th in 2019, according to latest research conducted by Javelin Venue Score.

b)  Trial free parking and suspend parking fees for the first three hours of parking, in the town centre and in all Council owned off-street car parks, between the period 12th December-10th January.

c)  Conduct a financial impact assessment during this period, so as to inform the Council of the financial implications and benefits of continuing to offer free parking throughout the year for three hours, in order to improve accessibility and footfall.

 

d)  Report back the results to Full Council in February 2020, including an analysis of the Council parking account and cost up options of free parking as part of this assessment, to boost trade for local businesses and reduce access barriers for local residents.”

It was moved by Councillor Swindlehurst, as an amendment,

Seconded by Councillor Akram,

“This Council resolves recognises Christmascan be a time when finances are under pressure and

a)  Acknowledge:

·  That with Slough being ranked as the 5th most deprived local authority within the South East, it is crucial we reduce access barriers such as expensive town centre parking which presents a key challenge for residents.

·  The results of the Council town centre survey support this, with 53% of residents naming free parking as one of the top priorities.

· Two thirds of respondents (64%) do not visit the Town Centre in the evening at all.

·Slough’s significant decline in retail ranking [to] 190th in 2019, according to latest research conducted by Javelin Venue Score.

b)  Trialtherefore resolves to offer free weekend parking  at Herschel Car Parkand suspend parking fees for the first three hours of parking, in the town centre and in all Council owned off-street car parks, between over the Christmas period 12th December-10th January. (28/11/19-5/1/2020)

 

c)  Conduct a financial impact assessment during this period, so as to inform the Council of the financial implications and benefits of continuing to offer free parking throughout the year for three hours, in order to improve accessibility and footfall.

 

d)  Report back the results to Full Council in February 2020, including an analysis of the Council parking account and cost up options of free parking as part of this assessment, to boost trade for local businesses and reduce access barriers for local residents.

The amendment was put to the vote and carried with 26 votes For, 4 Against and 2 Abstentions.

 

The amendment became the substantive motion and was agreed unanimously.

Resolved – This Council recognises Christmas can be a time when finances are under pressure and therefore resolves to offer free weekend parking at Herschel Car Park in the town centre over the Christmas period (29/11/19 – 5/1/2020)

 

 

 

 

 

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