Agenda item

To consider implementing a charging structure for users of the Shopmobility service and to consider the options for the delivery of the service to ensure a sustainable service for the future

The Committee considered a report on proposals to implement a charging structure for users of the Shopmobility service and options for the delivery of the service to ensure a sustainable service for the future. 

Members were advised that the report and its recommendations were being presented in response to the Overview and Scrutiny Budget Working Group’s report and recommendations that had been considered by the Executive Committee in December 2016.

Officers highlighted the average number of users, current costs associated with providing the service, the results of a survey of customers over a period time from September to November 2016 and proposed charges to secure a sustainable service for the future.  Members were informed that the outcomes of the survey had indicated that the majority of users would be prepared to pay a fee as detailed at 3.12 in the report.  Members also noted research carried out on charges by other Shopmobility providers showed that 75% of all schemes in the UK charged their customers. 

Officers highlighted the various charges being proposed for consideration as detailed at 3.14 in the report, together with estimated revenue income of £55k based on a current usage of 15,000 visits and 75% of the current registered users.  Members were also advised on the potential for an initial drop in visitor numbers that could potentially impact on the estimated revenue.  Members were informed that, given the combined spends from customer car parking and shopping in the region of £250k, Officers were proposing to approach the Kingfisher Shopping Centre and the Town Centre Partnership to explore the potential for additional financial contributions towards the service.

Members expressed their disappointment that ongoing budget cuts had resulted in proposals to charge for a valued and beneficial discretionary service. It was recognised, however, that whilst income generated from the charges would be of benefit, the service would still run at a loss.  

Concerns were expressed by a Member that the proposals did not go far enough to assist vulnerable residents.  A proposal to amend Recommendation 2.1 to include an additional concessionary rate of £1 for individuals in receipt of Pension Credit was moved and seconded. 

Following a brief discussion on the proposal, and the matter being taken to the vote, the proposed amendment to Recommendation 2.1 was not supported.

Clarification was provided further to a query about the involvement of the Older Peoples Forum and Disability Action Redditch (DAR) had been consulted on the proposed charges.  Members were informed that the matter had been raised at the Older Peoples Forum where no objections to the suggestion of charges had been raised.  It was noted that, whilst DAR had not been directly involved, members of the Older Peoples Forum attended DAR meetings.  Clarification was also provided relating to the costs of repairs and maintenance of the equipment which, it was noted, had been built into budget projections. A Member commented that Merry Hill used visual screens for promoting businesses and services in the Centre, it being suggested the matter be included in discussions with the Kingfisher shopping Centre in terms of sponsorship of scooters.  It was also noted that the Heart of Worcestershire College had been approached for students to be involved in developing a sponsorship scheme for the service.  

In response to a query In terms of contributions to the service from the Kingfisher Shopping Centre and their engagement or otherwise with Officers on the potential for increased contributions, it was noted that the current agreement with them was in place until 2018.    

RECOMMENDED that

2.1     charges for the Shopmobility Service as set out at 3.14 of the report be approved and implemented from 1st April 2017; and

RESOLVED that

2.2     Officers explore opportunities for additional financial contributions to the delivery of the service with the Kingfisher Shopping Centre and Town Centre Partnership; and

2.3     subject to approval of 2.1 above, a further report on the operation of the Shopmobility Service be brought to the Committee within 12 months and to report on the options for its future delivery.