Plans to raise residential parking permit fees by 26% in Gloucestershire have sparked serious concerns among residents, especially with the introduction of a £30 charge for family carers who previously received permits for free.
More than 100 people have signed a petition urging Gloucestershire County Council to reconsider the proposed hikes, with councillors set to vote on the matter tomorrow (February 18).
The proposed changes would increase the annual cost of a first parking permit from £63.30 to £80, and a second permit per household from £127.35 to £160. Business permits would also see a rise from £339.90 to £400 for the first permit and £500 for a second. These fees are expected to continue increasing over the next three years to make the permit service cost-neutral for the council.
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A new £30 fee for carers’ permits has frustrated many, including Cheltenham resident Ian Weaving, who initiated the petition. Weaving expressed “serious concerns” in a letter to councillors, highlighting the financial strain on households and the unfair burden placed on unpaid family carers.
“At a time when many families are already stretched financially, a 26% increase is far from modest,” said Weaving. “Small rises across numerous bills soon add up. This increase feels both significant and disproportionate.”
He also emphasized the negative impact of charging family carers, who provide crucial unpaid support to vulnerable individuals, stating: “Introducing new costs for carers risks discouraging the very care that helps people remain in their homes and alleviates pressure on public services.”
Local businesses may also feel the strain, as rising permit costs come amid wider economic challenges, with reduced footfall and higher expenses threatening their survival.
In response, Gloucestershire’s Deputy Leader Colin Hay defended the budget, highlighting investments in roads, schools, adult social care, recycling centres, nature recovery, and emergency services. Hay noted that these increases stem from a careful budget review and a report revealing that permit fees, frozen for 13 years, currently operate at a deficit of over £200,000 annually.
“The cost of running and enforcing these permit schemes is not covered by current fees,” Hay explained. “We cannot allow this deficit to continue.”
To ease financial pressure, the council plans to introduce monthly payment options starting April, spreading the cost more manageably: the first permit would cost £6.67 per month (an increase of £1.21 monthly), and the second permit £13.34 per month (rising by £2.42 monthly).
As public debate continues, many await tomorrow’s council vote with hopes that residents' and carers’ concerns will be fully considered.