Issue - meetings

The Board considered the scrutiny request which had been submitted by a member of the public, Mr. L. Irving, Vice-Chairman of the Older People’s Forum in Bromsgrove.  The scrutiny request related to abolishing car parking charges for Blue Badge holders.

There was detailed discussion on this item, particularly relating to the scrutiny investigation undertaken by the Car Parking Task Group last year, the funding and use of shopmobility and the need to consult disabled users. 

Members were informed that there was a Disabled User Group which the Board could consult and it was stated that there had been detailed discussions with the Group around concessions previously. 

The Board had questions around whether discretion was used by car parking attendants in relation to Blue Badge holders and whether policy changes had achieved the objectives set.  Members considered the options open to them as stated within the report and believed that further information was required.

RESOLVED that Councillor G. N. Denaro (as the Portfolio Holder for Finance and as the Member who led the Car Parking scrutiny investigation in 2007), Councillor Mrs. J. M. L. A. Griffiths (as the Portfolio Holder for Street Scene and Community Safety) and the Transport and Engineering Officer be requested to attend the next meeting of the Scrutiny Steering Board to discuss this issue, including past decisions taken relating to Blue Badges and any further information to date which will assist the Board in making a decision on how this matter should be dealt with.