Decision details

Prior to the item being considered Councillor Paul Clark declared a declarable interest in that he was one of the Council’s representatives to the King George V Playing Fields User Group. He was also the Vice President of the Hitchin Rugby Club that played at the King George V Playing Fields. He advised that he would not take part in the debate or vote and would leave the room for the duration of the item.

Prior to the item being considered Councillor Judi Billing declared a declarable interest in that she was a member of the Cabinet Sub-Committee (Council Charities). She advised that she would not take part in the debate or vote and would leave the room for the duration of the item.

Prior to the item being considered Councillor Steve Jarvis declared a declarable interest in that he was a member of the Cabinet Sub-Committee (Council Charities). He advised that he would not take part in the debate or vote and would leave the room for the duration of the item.

Prior to the item being considered Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg declared a declarable interest in that she was a member of the Cabinet Sub-Committee (Council Charities). She advised that she would not take part in the debate or vote and would leave the room for the duration of the item.

Prior to the item being considered Councillor Ian Albert declared a declarable interest in that he was one of the Council’s representatives to the King George V Playing Fields User Group. He advised that he would remain in the room and take part in the debate and vote.

Councillors Billing, Clark, Dennis-Harburg and Jarvis left the room.

RESOLVED:

(1)     That the introduction of charges for the hire of multi use games areas and for the use of public open spaces for events at weekends and after 6pm on weekdays be approved as detailed in paragraphs:

10.2a      One off public events in parks and open spaces;

10.2b      Hire of Multi Use Games Areas;

10.2c      Fitness Groups use of parks and open spaces;

(2)       The introduction of Fees and Charges for the hire of the Muga at King George V Recreation Ground at weekends and after 6pm on weekdays will only be adopted upon the approval of the Cabinet Sub - Committee (Council Charities).

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1)       The introduction of charges for the use of Muga’s will help manage demand and off set the ongoing running costs especially in relation to the use of the flood lights;

(2)       The charging for events that use our public open spaces will help offset the administrative costs of issuing a Land Licence for each event and contribute towards ongoing maintenance costs of each location;

(3)       Many of our open spaces are used for private businesses for their own commercial purposes such as fitness groups and dog walking companies. These businesses are using the open spaces free of charge and are not currently contributing towards the maintenance of the public open spaces that they use.