A dramatic increase in residential parking permit fees has ignited a fierce backlash from Gloucester Liberal Democrats, with accusations of “daylight robbery” echoing in the Gloucestershire County Council chamber on February 18.
As the council approved its budget for the upcoming financial year, it confirmed a 4.99% rise in council tax starting April, alongside a controversial 26% increase in parking permit charges. The cost of a first household permit will soar from £63.30 to £80 annually, while a second permit will jump to £160. Business permit fees are also set to rise, with the first permit increasing from £339.90 to £400, and a second permit climbing to £500. Additionally, a new £30 fee for care worker permits will be introduced. These charges are expected to escalate further over the next three years as the council aims to make the parking permit scheme cost-neutral.
Despite the council majority backing the budget, two Liberal Democrat councillors broke ranks to support an Independent amendment calling for a 12-month freeze on the fees. Councillor Jeremy Hilton (Kingsholm and Wotton) supported the freeze, highlighting the disproportionate burden on his residents. “This 26% increase hits Kingsholm residents hard when we already collect a substantial revenue of £634,000 from parking schemes in that area alone,” he stated, pointing out this exceeds what’s necessary to maintain the service.
Councillor Alastair Chambers (Coney Hill and Matson) championed the amendment, citing a petition from concerned residents facing unfair hardship. Praising Cllr Hilton’s support, he declared, “Common sense prevails.” Also backing the freeze was Councillor Rebecca Trimnell (Hempsted and Westgate), who emphasized the need for a cross-party working group to scrutinize the figures. She described the proposed rise as “excessive and unreasonable,” especially considering that other comparable authorities charge significantly less.
Councillor Trimnell underscored the struggles faced by over 1,000 permit-holding residents in her area, many from one-car families living on minimum wage amid a cost-of-living crisis. “Budgeting has never been harder, and those working full-time on minimum wage are now burdened with higher council tax and a steep parking permit increase,” she said.
Conservative councillor Sajid Patel (Barton and Tredworth) also condemned the rise as “extortionate and unjustified,” branding it “daylight robbery.” He called for scrapping the permit scheme entirely, advocating for free resident parking on the basis that residents already pay road tax.
On the other side, Deputy Leader Colin Hay (All Saints and Oakley) defended the increase, stressing the council’s need to balance the budget while investing millions in critical services such as roads, schools, adult social care, recycling centers, environmental initiatives, and emergency services. He clarified that income figures cited by opponents were misleading, noting that pay and display revenues would exist regardless of permit zones. He also committed to establishing a members’ working group to explore permit parking concerns further, including respectful treatment of carers.
Ultimately, the amendment to freeze fees was defeated by 31 votes to 18, with one abstention. The council’s budget, including the parking permit increases, was approved by 34 votes to 16.
The contentious debate reflects broader tensions as local authorities balance fiscal pressures with public concerns over affordability and fairness.