Agenda item

The Head of Assets and Enterprise, presented the report which was seeking approval of the proposed strategy for the future management of public toilets owned or operated by the Authority.

The Members discussed the various options with regard to the public toilet facilities provided by the Peak District National Park.  There is an opportunity to utilize the capital from DEFRA for 5 of the sites.  The stand alone initial investment from DEFRA totals £379,000 and comes from a Capital Grand, this needs to be used by 31^st March 2026.

The charge of 50p was discussed, this price point had been profiled at all different variable costs and charging rates and 50p seemed reasonable and appropriate.  The charges shall be reviewed going forward, and 50p was felt to be a conservative price and may mitigate some of the impact on the environment which may come about if a higher price was implemented.

10:17 - K Rustidge attended the meeting.

Members queried whether the insurance costs would increase as a result of the new technology being installed however this is not the case and insurance costs would remain the same.  Disabled facilities were discussed and at some of the sites there would be wider paddle entrance gates for the disabled and they would be expected to pay also. Radar keys can be used at the two Changing Places stations that the PDNPA own and manage.  Members were concerned about the payment facility being only via card or phone, it was noted that where there are currently cash payment options the cash machines are frequently broken in to. 

Members felt that this would need some positive promotion as to why it is necessary to charge for the use of the toilets and also it is a good opportunity to promote the work of the PDNPA. 

The recommendations as set out in the report, were moved and seconded, put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED:

1.     To approve the proposal detailed at paragraph 2.3 of the report to commence charging at any and/or all of the public toilet facilities operated by the Authority.

2.     To delegate the future implementation of the decision at recommendation 1 above to the Head of Assets and Enterprise in conjunction with the Chief Finance Officer and the Monitoring Officer.

3.     To delegate authority to review the charges when considered appropriate to do so and implement a revised charging structure at any and/or all of the public toilet facilities operated by the Authority to the Head of Assets & Enterprise in conjunction with the Chief Finance Officer and Monitoring Officer, and in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of Resources Committee.

4.     To approve the drawdown of up to £380,000 from the 25/26 Capital Fund to enable toilet enhancement project works at the sites detailed in paragraph 5b of the report.

5.     That approval be granted to incur capital expenditure for the toilet enhancement project works at the sites detailed in paragraph            2.3 of the report, up to £380,000, pursuant to Part 3, C3,(c) and G1 of Standing Orders, subject to compliance with the Contract Procedure Rules and Standing Orders generally.

6.     To delegate authority to the Authority Solicitor to enter into and determine the terms and conditions of any contracts/agreements required in the best interests of the Authority, subject to compliance with the Contract Procedure Rules and Standing Orders generally.