A fierce backlash has erupted in Gloucester following Gloucestershire County Council’s proposal to raise residential parking permit fees by nearly 26%. The move, seen by many as a “desperate money grab,” has ignited support beyond city limits, with residents in Cheltenham joining the opposition and signing a petition against the council’s plans.
At a meeting on January 7, councillors reviewed budget proposals aiming to generate an additional £338,000 annually by increasing fees for residential parking permits and on-street parking charges. The first parking permit’s price would rise from £63.60 to £80 starting in April—a 25.8% hike. A second permit would increase from £127.35 to £160. Similarly, on-street parking fees are expected to climb above the rate of inflation.
The proposed increases drew sharp criticism. Liberal Democrat Councillor Jeremy Hilton from Kingsholm and Wotton famously labeled the council’s justification as “bull****” during the Shire Hall meeting, reflecting residents’ frustration.
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Cheltenham resident Ian Weaving spearheaded an online petition with the rallying cry, “enough is enough.” So far, 25 residents have backed his cause, criticizing the council’s spending and management of parking initiatives.
“The permit price hike is a short-sighted attempt to balance budgets at the expense of residents,” Weaving argues. “The council’s recent handling of parking schemes raises serious concerns—over £900,000 was wasted on the failed Zone 15 parking scheme, and another £156,000 on a Stroud residents’ parking plan that was ultimately rejected.”
Weaving points to council revenue data showing that between April 2023 and March 2024, the council brought in over £1.1 million from parking permits alone, excluding fines. “If anything, this income should cover the costs. Charging residents more feels unjustified,” he says.
He also insists on transparency, highlighting that the council states any financial surplus from parking schemes is reinvested into local highways. “Residents deserve full access to these figures,” Weaving insists.
The scale of the fee increases adds to the frustration. Business permits are set to climb from £339.90 to £400 for the first, and up to £500 for a second permit. Carer permits, previously free, would now cost £30.
“To ask residents to shoulder such a large financial burden in challenging times is unreasonable,” Weaving said. He also compared Gloucestershire’s fees to neighboring counties, noting that Worcestershire charges £30 for a first permit, and Wiltshire offers permits at £35—significantly less than Gloucestershire’s proposed rates.
In response, Cabinet Member Colin Hay defended the hikes as necessary for maintaining and improving local services. He explained that permits had been frozen for 13 years, resulting in a deficit nearing £300,000 projected for 2026-27.
“We took a detailed look at all fees and charges to create a sustainable budget,” said Hay. “Though we understand the impact on households, spreading payments monthly will ease the burden—first permits becoming £6.67 monthly and second permits £13.33.”
He reassured residents that all revenue from on-street parking is ring-fenced legally to fund parking services, road repairs, and transport support, affirming the council’s commitment to responsible resource allocation.
As the debate continues, residents remain determined to hold the council accountable for both financial transparency and considered policy decisions.