The Announcement from HM Government that tolls for the Severn Bridges will be halved in 2018 is welcomed by this Council. Furthermore we support the removal of all tolls for both bridges with future maintenance costs being met from the general UK roads maintenance budget.
In 2015, tourism was worth £187 million to the economy of Monmouthshire, day visits generated £53 million. This is expected to increase when tolls are reduced or removed given anecdotal evidence that the tolls discourage tourist coach traffic and day tripper and survey evidence that 22% of south west England's residents said they would expect to make more trips to Wales in the next twelve months if the Severn Tolls were removed.
As day visitors have the potential to support the flourishing independent retail sector in south Monmouthshire, this presents further opportunities for the regeneration of our High Streets, a key strand in our economic development activities. Through our regular contacts with trade and business organisations in the County we will continue to work in partnership to develop sustainable growth in the County.
On the regional front, we will continue to play our part in the development of the Cardiff Capital Region. Economic regeneration is set to take centre stage in Monmouthshire’s future, bringing new opportunities for raising prosperity throughout the region particularly in new technology companies of the future.
At the same time we acknowledge that reducing tolls could bring dis-benefits into Monmouthshire. We will continue to monitor all potential issues and act accordingly to ensure the best outcomes for the residents of Monmouthshire.
This Council therefore re-affirms our intention to continue to promote Monmouthshire as the place to build businesses within southern Wales and the west of England whilst also promoting southern Monmouthshire as a quality shopping destination. This promotional activity will be escalated in the coming months as the reducing costs of tolls moves closer.
Minutes:
The Announcement from HM Government that tolls for the Severn Bridges will be halved in 2018 is welcomed by this Council. Furthermore we support the removal of all tolls for both bridges with future maintenance costs being met from the general UK roads maintenance budget.
In 2015, tourism was worth £187 million to the economy of Monmouthshire, day visits generated £53 million. This is expected to increase when tolls are reduced or removed given anecdotal evidence that the tolls discourage tourist coach traffic and day tripper and survey evidence that 22% of south west England's residents said they would expect to make more trips to Wales in the next twelve months if the Severn Tolls were removed.
As day visitors have the potential to support the flourishing independent retail sector in south Monmouthshire, this presents further opportunities for the regeneration of our High Streets, a key strand in our economic development activities. Through our regular contacts with trade and business organisations in the County we will continue to work in partnership to develop sustainable growth in the County.
On the regional front, we will continue to play our part in the development of the Cardiff Capital Region. Economic regeneration is set to take centre stage in Monmouthshire’s future, bringing new opportunities for raising prosperity throughout the region particularly in new technology companies of the future.
At the same time we acknowledge that reducing tolls could bring dis-benefits into Monmouthshire. We will continue to monitor all potential issues and act accordingly to ensure the best outcomes for the residents of Monmouthshire.
This Council therefore re-affirms our intention to continue to promote Monmouthshire as the place to build businesses within southern Wales and the west of England whilst also promoting southern Monmouthshire as a quality shopping destination. This promotional activity will be escalated in the coming months as the reducing costs of tolls moves closer.
The motion was duly seconded..
Councillor Batrouni broadly agreed with motion and noted the reduction in tolls would be good news for commuters, local businesses and tourism. Clarity was sought surrounding the aspect of the motion that the Council supports the removal of the tolls as the consultation had not advocated the removal of tolls in 2018. Councillor Greenland responded that the correct way would be to remove the barrier of tolls completely to ensure free trade between the West of England and Wales, but he understood the view of the Secretary of State.
Councillor Batrouni added an amendment to the motion, adding a sentence to the second to last paragraph, to read;
· At the same time we acknowledge that reducing tolls could bring dis-benefits into Monmouthshire. We will continue to monitor all potential issues and act accordingly to ensure the best outcomes for the residents of Monmouthshire. In particular, we will closely watch house prices in South East Monmouthshire and consider the of affordable homes in the area, so local people, especially young people, are not priced out of the housing market.
The amendment was seconded and this became the substantive motion. Debate ensued.
Councillor Howarth addressed the issue of affordable housing and requested clarity as to whether the LDP would be revisited. In response Councillor Greenland advised that across all authorities there is a question of viability for various housing schemes. There is too large a proportion of affordable housing suggested for some housing sites which may see some schemes becoming unviable. There are proposals that we look at the LDP and the issues being faced.
Councillor S. Jones, as the Chair of Economy and Development Select Committee advised that a special meeting has been arranged for scrutiny of affordable housing on 14th February 2017. Also the Committee would be looking into the review of the LDP.
A few Members expressed concern that the motion could be construed as a statement rather than a motion. The Chair explained that the motion had been accepted as an agenda item.
Councillor Hobson explained that affordable housing is essential and entry level for a first time buyer in Chepstow is currently £160,000. With the introduction of the toll reduction this figure would increase. LDP would need to be re-visited in the next year of the new Council term.
Some Independent Members were keen to express that the motion was a political reaction and did not take into consideration the full consequences. It was suggested that proper modelling on how the tolls could be used should be undertaken. The suggestion of an innovative integrated transport fund was put to Council.
Concerns were expressed that the motion referred to an increase in day visitors, but at the same time TICs were closing.
The Leader thanked the Labour Group for their amendment, and confirmed support of that. He added that the bridge tolls had too long been an economical barrier, and the reduction would unlock opportunities and benefits to commercial users and small businesses. He agreed that the issue of housing would need to be addressed.
Councillor Farley requested reassurance for people in Chepstow in particular, where the treatment of the TIC would sit in light of the motion, and asked for a suitable resourced outcome. Councillor Greenland responded that he has requested a meeting be set up with all interested parties in Chepstow to discuss a way forward.
Council held a recorded vote:
For 33
Against 2
Abstentions 3
Therefore the substantive motion was carried.