Agenda item

Mr Bim Afolami MP thanked the Chair for inviting him to address the Committee.

The Chair thanked Mr Afolami for attending the Committee meeting.

Audio Recording – 25 minutes 34 seconds

The Chair advised that he had met Mr Afolami some weeks ago to discuss business grant scheme and that approximately £25 million had been paid to businesses across Hertfordshire to more than 2,000 businesses.

There were, at that point, however some businesses that did not meet the criteria.

Subsequently the Government had authorised £1.3 million to allocate to 200 businesses that had previously not qualified for funding.

This was a great example of partnership working.

A number of Members were therefore disappointed to have read a number of open letters from Mr Afolmai in the press regarding free parking.

Mr Bim Afolami MP thanked the Chair for inviting him to attend the meeting. He advised that;

·                in his opinion, free parking was important for the recovery of Hitchin town centre:

·                It had been already been really tough for retail business, but would be even harder now;

·                The Council had limited resources, but this was one thing that could be done quickly;

·                It would give a signal to the public to come into Hitchin and free parking could increase footfall;

·                He acknowledged the criticism of the idea including that people may return to the town centre without this initiative and that it would cost a lot of money;

·                If this increased footfall by 10 percent it could mean more businesses surviving;

·                The costs associated with a short period of a support scheme would be more sustainable in the long term;

·                Reserves were for a rainy day and this is it;

·                There would be a support package from Government, but Council’s would need to draw on reserves.

The following Members asked questions and took part in the debate:

·                Councillor Martin Stears-Handscomb;

·                Councillor Paul Clark;

·                Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg;

·                Councillor Simon Harwood;

·                Councillor Kay Tart;

·                Councillor Richard Thake;

·                Councillor Judi Billing;

·                Councillor Keith Hoskins;

·                Councillor Ian Albert.

Comments made by Councillors included:

·                Councillors had been working to open town centres following Government advice to give as much support as possible;

·                The Council finances were already £2 million short;

·                The Council would lose £200,000 per month if it provided free car parking across the District which would result in other services being cut;

·                Town centres were not yet fully open therefore it was too early to look at free parking;

·                What evidence was there that paid parking was reducing footfall;

·                We should be encouraging walking and cycling rather than car use;

·                Hitchin car parks have historically been at capacity;

·                Any initiative would have to be District wide;

·                What evidence was there that free parking would bolster the economy;

·                A range of ideas were needed to support town centres;

·                The BID was of the opinion that free car parks would be full of commuters rather than shoppers;

·                Although wanted to encourage business, had to be mindful of safety and the need for social distancing;

·                Targeted free parking could be considered, although a firm proposal was needed.

·                There was no evidence that this was what the people of Hitchin wanted.

In response to questions and comments Mr Afolami advised:

·                He could not confirm that Government funding would be available for free parking schemes;

·                The arguments put forward were a good reason to introduce the scheme, but maybe at a later date when more shops were open;

·                This could be a key part of the Town Centre recovery;

·                The Chancellor was committed to reform in respect of Business Rates;

·                People in North Herts relied on cars and it was better to bring business into the town centre than for delivery drivers to travel long distances to deliver to your door;

·                Discussions were taking place regarding a discretionary fund for businesses that were not previously covered;

·                A lot of places were providing free car parking;

·                There was no evidence statistically regarding this at present.

·                The numbers of people commuting by train was still low;

·                Town centre safety was being well managed in Hitchin;

·                He would draw up a proposal and present it in writing to the Council.

The Chair thanked Mr Afolami for attending the Committee meeting.