Agenda item

An issues paper prepared by the Opposition Group is attached for the consideration of Council.

The Constitution Procedure Rules relating to Opposition Business are attached for information.

Councillor Neville introduced the issues paper prepared by the Conservative Group, based on the Portas Review into the future of our High Streets.

In introducing the paper he highlighted the case for carrying out measures which would help improve High Streets in Enfield.  The key issues raised included:

·              The need to recognise High Streets and retail shopping generally as a very important contributor to the local economy.

·              Whilst High Streets had been in decline for many years, both local and national governments of all political make up had not done enough to reverse this.  The major factors influencing the decline included the increase in the number of large out of town stores with free parking, and the continual, exponential growth in internet shopping.  

·              The Government had commissioned Mary Portas, in the context of the current economic down turn, to come up with recommendations for improvement.  The Conservative Group were now calling on the Council to consider what could be done in Enfield, in response to the main findings and recommendations from the review.

·              Enfield suffered from the close proximity of large out of town shops along the A10 as well as the nearness to major shopping centres such as Brookfield Farm, Brent Cross and the recently opened Westfield Centre development at Stratford.  It was difficult to compete with these large centres with combined leisure interests. 

·              The Conservative Group felt that the average 46% increase in parking charges and imposition of Sunday charges in Enfield would not help in addressing these issues.  These measures discouraged people from shopping in their local high street, encouraged those that did come to stay for less time and therefore spend less money.

·              As a result of the Opposition Business, the Conservative Group were requesting that more detailed consideration be given to those recommendations in the Portas Review which were under local authority control.  This included particular action to consider immediately reversing the decision to impose Sunday parking charges in Enfield Town; to introduce a period of fifteen minutes free parking (as a measure which had worked well in neighbouring Waltham Forest & Borehamwood); and to instruct the Housing Growth and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel to consider the findings and recommendations from the Portas Review in more detail, with a report to be provided for Cabinet & Council by July 2012.

Councillor Goddard, Cabinet Member for Business and Regeneration, responded on behalf of the Majority Group, highlighting that:

·              The Majority Group shared the concerns of the opposition at the decline of the High Street, particularly in the light of the current Global Crisis, but felt that no single strand or issue (including the provision of free parking) would resolve the problem on its own.

·              In Enfield, several of the recommendations from the Portas Review had already been implemented, including the creation of Town Centre Managers and ongoing support for the Enfield Business Retail Association (EBRA), who continued to play a significant role.  Two key issues needing to be addressed remained the quality of the retail offer and the environment.  An additional difficulty in Enfield Town related to the size of the retail units, with retailers increasingly wanting larger units.  A key problem in many areas – particularly in the East - was the decline in disposable income which had led to major retailers moving away from local high streets.

·              Before the Portas Review, the Council had been carrying out improvements to shopping areas along the Hertford Road - in Ponders End, Enfield Lock, in the South - and along Green Lanes.  This had also included measures such as introduction of a business rate relief and the provision of Christmas lights.  Plans were also being developed to create  street markets with further investment in business and arts projects - including the Dugdale Centre in Enfield Town

·              As part of the plans being developed to progress the Enfield Town Phase III development it had been recognised that there would be a need to focus on not just the retail offer, but also on improving the general environment and shopping experience.  At Edmonton Green the Council was working very closely with St Modwens to encourage further investment in the shopping centre.

·              Recent survey information indicated that residents rated improving the quality of the shops as the most important factor in attracting them back to the High Street; parking was fifth.  Only a minority of people travelled by car to high streets in Enfield; many more travelled on foot and by public transport (with a subsequent need to include as part of any review the current level of fares).  Whilst recognising the importance of parking it was felt this needed to be seen within the wider context of all the other issues identified.

Other issues highlighted as factors impacting on the decline in the High Street during the debate were as follows:

·              The impact of rent and business rate levels combined with lack of choice, innovation and bureaucracy;

·              The need to create a good environment where small well run businesses could thrive, including improvements to the street scene;

·              The popularity of large out of town shopping centres, based partly on the fact that they offered free parking and were within close proximity in terms of travel time;

·              The need to address and avoid high levels of vacant retail units.

Following a lengthy debate, Councillor Lavender summed up on behalf of the Opposition Group.  He felt that the debate had been useful and recognised the need for the issues to be considered in the widest possible context.  At the same time he felt there was a need for the Council to focus on those areas within its direct control as a means of addressing the issues raised, which included parking and parking charges.  Of particular concern was the impact relating to the introduction of parking charges on Sunday.

In response to the debate and recommendations made within the Opposition Business paper, Councillor Goddard highlighted:

1.      the need to consider the issues highlighted as part of an overall strategy and in the broadest possible context recognising the impact of issues such as the current economic climate & plummeting consumer confidence alongside the quality of the retail offer, local environment and parking.  There was also a need to focus on actions over the short, medium and long term.

2.            the progress made in improving High Streets across the borough, including the lobbying of local MPs about the proliferation of betting shops, and attempting to tackle the problem of empty shops.

3.            the need to bring forward a measured response.  He therefore proposed that a report should be prepared for Cabinet looking at the issues raised in the Portas Review and during the meeting along with the Council’s response in addressing these, and making recommendations for the best way forward as part of an overall strategic approach.  Scrutiny would also be welcome to participate in this process.

The Leader of the Opposition requested that a vote was taken on the recommendations within the Opposition Business paper, with the following result:

(1)    To reconsider the decision to introduce parking charges on Sundays in Enfield Town and revert to allowing free off and on street parking on Sundays and Bank Holidays with immediate effect.

For: 23

Against: 31

Abstentions: 0

The recommendation was not therefore approved.

(2)    To introduce a 15 minute free parking period at all on street parking bays in shopping high street areas.

For: 23

Against: 31

Abstentions: 0

The recommendation was not therefore approved.

(3)    To instruct the Housing, Growth and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel to consider the Portas Review in detail and to report to Cabinet and Council with recommendations by July 2012, providing reasonable and necessary resources as required.

For: 23

Against: 31

Abstentions: 0

The recommendation was not therefore approved.