Issue - meetings

PART I – ITEMS RESOLVED BY CABINET

Item 1 – Waste Programme Update

One Member questioned the Council’s approach for waste collection under the new service arrangements if residents declined to use wheeled bins.  A further Member asked if the Council would be encouraging residents to take any excess waste to the local Household Recycling Centre, particularly in the context of any increase in side waste resulting from service changes.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability responded to the points raised.  He highlighted that the Council’s decision on the Waste Strategy and collection policy in respect of wheeled bins would be moving forward as agreed.  The communications strategy was highlighted which would seek to address queries and concerns ahead of the service change and roll out of wheeled bins.

PART II – RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL

Item 7 – Medium Term Financial Plan Scene Setting

Cllr Heron introduced the item and moved the recommendations from the Cabinet meeting.  Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.

Cllr M Wade moved an amendment to recommendation 4, to freeze car parking charges in line with their current levels.  Cllr Clark seconded the amendment.

Members speaking in support of the amendment highlighted the cost of living crisis being faced by residents, with local examples of towns and villages struggling to attract people into their centres.  A Member spoke of the nature of the district not having a single destination, instead having a collection of unique towns and villages spread across the New Forest.  Some Members spoke of the impact specifically on businesses and their viability on the high street.

Members speaking against the amendment suggested that it was unfair to ask residents who could not afford to run a car, to subsidise the cost of car parking charges across the district, through council tax.  The value of a district parking clock was recognised, which allowed users to park at multiple locations across the New Forest for the cost of the single clock.  Feedback suggested that this remained excellent value, inclusive of the proposed increase for 2025.

In responding to the debate on the amendment, Cllr Wade highlighted that the cost of running car parks did not dictate that prices would need to rise at the proposed rate.  He suggested that the lowest paid in the district included shop workers, including for local charities, many of whom relied on a car and local car parks to get to their place of work.  He encouraged Members to support the amendment.

In responding to the debate on the amendment, Cllr Heron cited the significant financial pressures faced by the Council.  He highlighted that many of the issues raised by Members through the debate were part of wider changes to shopping habits, including the rise of online shopping.  He pointed to the benchmarking undertaken and that the district’s fees and charges in this area remained very good value for money.

A request for a discretionary recorded vote was supported by the required additional 11 Members.  The amendment was therefore  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32