In Gloucestershire, plans to increase residential parking permit fees by 26 percent and introduce a £30 charge for family carers have sparked serious concerns among residents. More than 100 people have signed a petition urging Gloucestershire County Council to reconsider these proposals ahead of the vote scheduled for February 18.
The proposed changes include raising the annual cost for the first residential parking permit from £63.30 to £80, with the second permit rising from £127.35 to £160. Business permits are set to increase from £339.90 to £400, with second business permits climbing to £500. These fees are expected to rise further over the next three years as the council aims to make the parking permit service cost neutral.
A new £30 fee will be introduced for carer permits, which the council states is necessary to cover administrative costs. However, this move has drawn criticism, particularly from family carers who previously accessed permits free of charge.
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Cheltenham resident Ian Weaving, who initiated the petition, expressed his strong opposition to the increases, emphasizing the financial strain on local households. “A 26 percent increase is far from modest. While it might be described as a small weekly amount, these incremental hikes across various bills quickly accumulate and can be burdensome,” he said.
Weaving also highlighted the troubling impact of charging family carers. “These individuals provide essential, often unpaid care to vulnerable residents. Introducing fees sends the wrong message and risks discouraging this vital support, which helps people live independently and alleviates pressure on public services,” he added.
Concerns extend to local businesses as well. With high streets already navigating rising costs, declining footfall, and economic uncertainties, increases in business permit charges may place additional financial pressure on traders.
Responding to these concerns, Deputy Leader Colin Hay (LD, Oakley) defended the proposed budget, stating it reflects careful review and is designed to support key public services including roads, schools, and adult social care. He explained that an independent review found that permit fees, frozen for 13 years, now operate at a significant deficit—over £200,000 in 2025-26, growing to nearly £300,000 the following year.
Hay emphasized that the cost of running and enforcing the permit schemes exceeds current revenues, necessitating the fee increase to close the gap. To ease the impact on residents, the council is introducing a monthly payment option. From April, the first permit will cost £6.67 per month, up £1.21, and the second permit will be £13.34 monthly, up £2.42.
As Gloucestershire County Council prepares to vote, the debate highlights the challenge of balancing essential public service funding with the financial realities faced by residents and businesses alike.