Agenda and minutes

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 June 2011.

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 June 2011 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To receive apologies for absence.

An apology for absence was submitted from Councillor L Haysey.  It was noted that Councillor J Ranger was substituting for Councillor L Haysey.

The Secretary to the Staff Side submitted a report regarding options for Staff Car Parking in both Hertford and Bishop’s Stortford.  The report outlined the main options which were set out in Essential Reference Paper “D” attached to the report now submitted.

The Head of Customer Services provided an overview of the staff car parking report, in terms of possible options and the implications of those options on staff at both Hertford and Bishop’s Stortford.  Issues in relation to visitor parking at both Hertford and Bishop’s Stortford were discussed including the lack of short stay parking and the impact on on-street parking at both locations. 

The Panel considered the potential number of employees who would be based in the Wallfields Office.  Of concern to the Staff Side, was the fact that the numbers did not appear to have taken into account flexible and part time workers.  The Head of Customer Services explained how the figures had been calculated.

The Staff Side stated that car parking was an implied contractual right and concerns were expressed regarding the use of old travel survey data.  The Staff Side stated that Members needed to take account of the staffs’ perception rather than that of the public and Members should not be pressured by any negative press over the provision of free parking.

It was noted that some Councils charged staff a levy.  The difficulties of this were considered including the fact that many employer’s provided staff with free benefits.  The point was made that when there was spare capacity, no revenue was being lost.

The Panel noted that the results of the Parking and Travel Strategy were awaited and of the uncertainties in terms of staff numbers moving from Stevenage to Wallfields and how many might wish to be remote workers. 

The Panel agreed that for the balance of this financial year, there would be no change to current staff parking arrangements but that situation would be reviewed in the light of results of the Parking Travel Strategy.  The Panel did not rule out the possibility that a modest charge for parking may in future be made.   The Panel noted that from 22 August, parking would be monitored to establish any trends in parking arrangements.

RESOLVED – that (A) for the balance of this financial year, that there would be no change to current staff parking arrangements but that situation would be reviewed in the light of results of the Parking Travel Strategy; and 

(B)  The Panel noted the possibility that a modest charge may be made for staff parking in the future.