“WE ARE now picking up the consequences of the lack of action from the previous administration” and “the cupboard is empty”.
That’s the reason why car park prices are to rise across Wokingham borough according to Cllr Paul Fishwick, Executive Member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways, as the council seeks to cover a £4m funding gap over the forthcoming financial year.
He was introducing a discussion at a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s executive committee, following a debate in the council chamber on Thursday, November 17. It was held after a petition of more than 4,200 people that was submitted to the October meeting, triggering the discussion. As the petition was voted down, it was referred to the executive for further consideration.
Cllr Fishwick reminded his colleagues that car park prices were last put up five years ago, despite costs rising in that time.
He said that any alternative to the Lib Dem proposals would not bring in enough money to cover any shortfall.
The council could not take funding from the reserves as they are now considered to be too low. Taking this course of action could see the administration placed under the leadership of central government. “The consequences would be devastating,” Cllr Fishwick warned.
Each of the park and rides were considered. Mereoak is run jointly with Reading Borough Council and closure would put rural bus services at risk. Thames Valley Park never opened, but is currently being used as a shuttle service to the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Winnersh Triangle is under reconstruction, but there was a £1.3m overspend “a consequence of the unforeseen issues caused by the Thames Water main”.
And he described the Coppid Beech as a “financial white elephant” that had ongoing costs for security, maintenance, insurance and business rates.
Cllr Fishwick then outlined the various options that the petition requested.
Keeping charges at current levels would leave a budget gap of £540,000 per year. Changing some aspects of the proposed rises, such as a flat rate of £1 for evenings would reduce the savings.
“All avenues have been explored and some options require much more money – money that we don’t have,” he said. “The Conservatives petition requires even more money £600,000. Again, money that we don’t have.”
The Lib Dems were instead approaching the issue in a grown-up manner, and would protect residents from control of the council “slipping into the hands of central government control”.
“We have no choice but to reluctantly increase car parking charges for the first time in nearly five years,” he said.
The Traffic Regulation Order (TRO)is planned to be published in Wokingham Today in the issue of Thursday, December 8, but due to the festive period, the consultation would be extended to Sunday, January 22.
Cllr Prue Bray said she was surprised that no Conservatives were present at the meeting despite being the party that submitted the petition. She added that the council needed to explore ways in which it can increase revenues as the funding gap was increasing, and demand on statutory services was increasing.
“I cannot see what else we can do,” she said. “We are looking at everything … and we are not the only council in country. We are talking about one in six councils in the country going bust. There are no good choices in this, and we have to do this.”
Cllr Clive Jones said “there seems to be some division in the Conservative group” as its leader, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen “refused (to say if she would) reverse the charges if they got in power again”.
With Cllr Ferris, he had visited Woodley town centre retailers so he could explain why the council needed to balance the budget. This was a response to the letter signed by 40 businesses that was printed in Wokingham Today of November 10.
“There was from many retailers an acceptance that the council had been left in a difficult position – in fact, the whole country was in a difficult financial position. All 300-plus councils are complaining they are going to struggle to balance the books this year,” he said.
“We heard how some businesses were already facing issues such as strong competition from other retailers, competition from online retailers and general changes in shopping habits.
“Increases in rents, increases in energy costs are having a significant impact on retailers’ profitability.
One manager of a significant business said that Wokingham Borough Council needs to explain why these changes were necessary. We must therefore improve our communication and make sure everyone in the borough is aware of why these increases in charges are necessary.”
Cllr Ferris wanted to know more about the processes of the TRO. Cllr Fishwick said that businesses and residents would need to write in with their comments.
Cllr Fishwick also thanked officers for their work in trying to find any alternative.
“We have looked under every stone in the cupboard, under the sun, practically everywhere for any little bits of money that could come forward, and the cupboard is bare,” he reiterated.
Cllr Jones said that that executive had looked at all avenues, met with businesses, considered the petition and budget, and recommended that no further action was needed for the referral. The vote was unanimous.
