Agenda item

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services in respect of the Annual Review of the Charging Policy for Car Parking and Stores on the Barbican Estate.  The report sought Members’ endorsement of the work and recommendations of the Member/Officer Working Party as set out in the report.

During the debate and questions the following points were raised:

a.   During the last 12 months,  only one resident had mentioned cost as a reason for giving up their parking bay; which might suggest keeping with the direction of travel of £1500 a year for Barbican car parking.  The officer advised that residents were asked to give a reason when they surrendered a bay and there was currently no waiting list for baggage stores.

b.   There was some challenge as to the level of maintenance on the car parks and it was noted that some were in a very poor condition.  Members asked to see a table showing figures for the income/ maintenance of car parks. 

c.    A lower charge was suggested for those who had invested in electric vehicles or smaller cars.  Given the pandemic and economic uncertainty, a CPI increase was suggested with a review in 6 months’ time. Members were asked to be mindful of the implications on staff resources arising from this request. 

d.   Given that Covid-19 was very likely to impact on the way people travel, it was important to explore new income streams.  The officer advised that larger bays/electric car discount/electric bike sockets/additional cycling spaces etc. could be considered in due course as we come out of lockdown.  It was not possible to let the general public use Barbican car parking spaces due to planning restrictions.

e.   Only renewals and not new applications would receive the congestion zone discount by TFL.  The officer had been advised there would be a full consultation of Barbican residents on the congestion charge on any future changes, temporary or otherwise by TFL. Members thanked the Chairman for writing to TfL, on behalf of the Committee, objecting to the extension of the congestion charging zone hours and the exclusion of new applications. 

f.     There was considerable concern expressed in that the City Corporation was already budgeting on a deficit of over £300k and a CPI increase would worsen the position. Officers confirmed that the Car Park expenditure budget for 2020/21 would be distributed to members with the minutes.  The Chamberlain advised that the draft budget was presented in September last year, assuming the proposed increase would be approved.  It was noted that Car park charges at the Barbican were more than other City car parks and a further view was expressed that this situation must be addressed as soon as possible. 

RESOLVED, that:

Car Parking (of the 8 members entitled to vote, 6 voted in favour)

1. The Barbican car park charge per parking space for the ensuing year be increased to £1,420 per annum (as originally agreed at BRC in 2018 as the direction of travel to £1,500 over 3 years) and charges be reviewed again in 2021.

Stores (unanimous)

2.     Rents for Stores within Barbican buildings (that is, Stores not constructed in the car parks which are all classed as small/standard Stores) be increased in line with CPI (based on 22 April CPI for March of 1.5%) to £331 per annum and charges be reviewed again in 2021;

3.     Rents for the resident occupiers of new stores in the car parks be increased in line with CPI (based on 22 April CPI for March of 1.5%) to £873 per annum for large stores, £1,238 for extra-large and £1,746 for extra extra-large stores and charged be reviewed again in 2021.

4.     Rents for the non-resident occupiers of new stores in the car parks be increased in line with CPI (based on 22 April CPI for March of 1.5%) to £1,746 per annum for large stores, £2,476 for extra-large and £3,492 for extra extra-large stores and charges be reviewed again in 2021.

5.     Miscellaneous Charges be increased in line with CPI (based on 22 April CPI for March of 1.5%) to £243 per annum for motorcycles, £91 per annum for bicycle lockers and £32 per annum for bicycle pods and charges be reviewed again in 2021.