Liberal Democrat proposals to increase residents' parking permit fees by almost 26% have drawn sharp criticism from city councillors, who accuse council leaders of offering insubstantial reasons to justify the steep hike.
Gloucestershire County Council officials plan to raise an additional £338,000 in the next financial year by increasing fees for residential parking permits and on-street parking. Their budget outlines a rise in the cost of a household’s first parking permit from £63.60 to £80 starting in April—a 25.8% increase. The second permit price would jump from £127.35 to £160. On-street parking fees would also climb above inflation rates.
Finance cabinet member Colin Hay explained the increases are intended to cover rising costs. “We think it’s justified,” he said during the January 7 scrutiny meeting, adding that although a deficit remains, the charges need to catch up. Hay acknowledged that permit fees vary widely across the country, with some areas offering free permits, while others charge significantly more.
READ MORE: New Photos Reveal Massive Warehouse Blocking Sunlight from Local Homes
READ MORE: Gloucestershire Overlooked in 2026 National Fish and Chip Shop Awards
Hay also noted the proposed on-street parking charge increases aim to align more closely with district council car park fees.
However, Kingsholm and Wotton Councillor Jeremy Hilton (LD) vehemently opposed the hikes and the justification presented. He said councillors were given no written evidence to support what he called “excessive” increases and highlighted that pay-and-display fees would likely not rise nearly as much. He argued residents who pay for permits are effectively subsidizing free parking for others and described repeated permit fee rises as unfair and unacceptable.
“All I get from Cllr Hay is just bull**** about why we need to increase prices. I’ve seen no proof—no documents or accounts to back it up. Frankly, I’m annoyed,” Hilton said.
Hay responded that he recently received the relevant figures and still needed to organize them before sharing, noting a party group meeting delayed full transparency. He also pointed out that some district councils have increased charges mid-year to fill budgetary gaps.
Sustainable transport cabinet member Roger Whyborn (LD) confirmed on-street charges would rise above inflation. Conservative group leader Stephen Davies emphasized that no such hikes occurred under the previous administration, characterizing the current increases as a deliberate Liberal Democrat decision.
Councillor Rebecca Trimnell (LD) from Hempsted and Westgate voiced concern about the impact of the 26% increase on residents with limited means, especially those living in housing association flats. “It’s a significant increase for people living on the poverty line,” she stressed.
Council leader Lisa Spivey (LD) acknowledged the challenge for some residents, stating, “For some people, 40p a week is more money than they can afford.” She emphasized the council must take a pragmatic, balanced approach to these tough financial decisions in light of ongoing fiscal pressures.