Test Valley’ Borough Council’s cabinet is being recommended to accept Lib Dem proposals to drop charges for street parties to celebrate the royal wedding.
The council originally intended to charge a £25 administration fee for granting permission to residents to close roads for street parties for the wedding on April 29th but Lib Dem borough councillors objected to this. St Mary’s councillor Mike McGarry tabled a motion to last month’s council meeting calling for the charges to be dropped. “The extra bank holiday gives residents an opportunity to forget about the economic crisis and join in a national celebration. The council can and should be encouraging this. What better way than to pay the administration costs rather than expect residents to do so” he said.
The proposals, which I seconded, were referred to cabinet member, Martin Hatley, for further consideration. Cllr Hatley has now agreed to our plan and is recommending dropping the charges to the full cabinet meeting on March 16th. “I am optimistic we will be able to waive this fee completely for both the Royal Wedding and the Diamond Jubilee celebrations next year.”
I welcome the change of heart. The original idea to charge was contrary to the spirit of the celebrations and an example of bureaucratic penny pinching. Many other authorities, including neighbouring Wiltshire, have already announced they will be waiving charges. I hope Test Valley’s cabinet now follow their lead.
The original motion to TVBC full council on 25th February was referred to cabinet without debate. The full text is as follows
“Council notes that there will be an additional Bank Holiday this year to celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29th in Westminster Abbey.
Council also notes the substantial local interest in holding street parties and similar events on that day. However during these times of austerity the celebrations for this event will be difficult to afford for many people.
Council therefore resolves to waive the normal £25 charge for any applications for road closures for the purpose of street parties in celebration of the Royal Wedding.”
Application forms for permission to hold street parties can be obtained from Test Valley’s offices in Andover or Romsey.