PEOPLE living in areas like Frodsham, where car parking is currently free, would be reluctant to see parking charges introduced.
Cheshire West and Chester Council’s “Let’s Talk” consultation has shown there is “significant concern” about the possibility of introducing parking charges in areas where parking is currently free.
Strangely, however, in areas where parking charges already exist, there was support for increasing the council’s income by increasing charges.
On average, people felt charges for parking, commercial rent, and cemeteries, crematoria and registration services could be increased by 5.61 per cent.
More than 1,800 people and groups took part in the Let’s Talk consultation, which invited views on the CW&C’s plan for
Cllr David Armstrong
2016-20 and how these should be funded, taking into account that reductions in Government funding will leave the authority facing a significant shortfall.
During the course of the consultation it emerged that the council’s financial position has worsened as a result of the central Government settlement announced in December.
More than 1,000 people filled in the Let’s Talk questionnaire and 366 people had a go at setting the council’s budget using an online simulator tool.
A further 330 people attended a Let’s Talk event and more than 130 community and interest groups representing people of all ages from across the borough gave their views.
Officers are now analysing the feedback gathered during the 12-week consultation. Although it is too early to give specific detail, some key themes are starting to emerge.
There was widespread support for 10 priorities set out to make Cheshire West and Chester a place with thriving residents, flourishing communities and a prosperous economy.
People were asked to indicate the importance of each priority on a scale of one to 10 and all attracted an average score of between seven and nine.
Making vulnerable adults and children feel safe was ranked the highest, closely followed by compassionate and joined-up care. Respondents broadly agreed that the top four priorities were extremely important.
Views on the other six priorities – which include vibrant and healthy communities, and a great place to do business – were more varied with some people feeling they are important and others stating they are not as important.
The budget simulator results suggest that people would prefer to see the greatest budget reduction in Corporate Services and Places Services and the least in services for Children and Adults.
People indicated they are prepared to pay more to ensure key services are maintained, especially for vulnerable people. When asked how to fund these services, respondents supported an average council tax rise of 2.40 per cent through the budget simulator.
Cllr David Armstrong, CW&C’s lead member for Legal and Finance, said: “The response level has been very encouraging and I would like to thank everyone who has taken part and helped to make this one of the most successful consultations the council has held.
“There is a great deal of work now underway to analyse the feedback to ensure all views are represented, to help inform the important decisions we will soon need to take. The consultation responses show us the direction in which our residents want us to go.”
When the consultation was launched, indications were that Government funding reductions would leave the council facing a £47m shortfall by 2020. But now it seems the shortfall is set to grow.
Cllr Armstrong added: “We will keep people informed as we have to make some very difficult and tough decisions.”
The Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on January 27 to consider the consultation findings and make recommendations to the cabinet, which meets on February 3.
Final proposals will be considered at the council’s annual budget setting meeting on February 25.
