Cornwall Council Faces U-Turn Calls Over Parking Fee Increase

Cornwall Council is under pressure to reconsider a planned parking fee increase set to take effect on September 17, 2024. The proposed hike of six percent has sparked a debate among council members, with some calling for a reversal before the new tariffs are implemented.

The increase, approved by the council’s Liberal Democrat transport member, Cllr Dan Rogerson, aligns with inflation. However, opposition from the Conservative group is mounting. Cllr Connor Donnithorne, the leader of the council’s Tory group, has introduced a motion for the upcoming full council meeting on September 16. His proposal seeks to have the council formally express its regret over the increase and urges Cllr Rogerson to freeze all parking charges to support local businesses and residents.

Cllr Donnithorne’s motion has garnered support from fellow Conservative Cllr Jane Pascoe and others, including Cllr Peter Channon from Reform UK, Cllr Karen Glasson, and Cllr Adrian Parsons from the Liberal Democrats. The motion emphasizes that Cornwall Council last raised parking charges in April 2024. At that time, the decision was made not to increase parking tariffs, despite other service fees rising as part of the budget for 2025/26.

In response, Joshua Macdonald, the council’s strategic parking manager, stated that a public consultation on other key parking initiatives will follow the tariff adjustment. These initiatives aim to generate an additional £1 million and support broader traffic management goals. The fee increase is projected to raise an extra £360,000 this financial year, which is essential for addressing a shortfall in the council’s parking services budget.

Macdonald explained, “Price increases of any kind may be perceived as a negative change made by Cornwall Council. However, increases ensure that the council can continue to manage and maintain its assets, as operational and repair costs rise.” He highlighted that the council offers various parking products that provide discounts to local residents and frequent users.

The timeline for reversing the parking fee increase is tight. Macdonald noted that if the motion passes, it would likely take six weeks to implement a reversal, during which the new charges would already be in effect. He warned of significant implications for the council’s budget if the proposed initiatives cannot be delivered, potentially impacting the budget by up to £1 million.

The motion will be discussed at a full council meeting at Lys Kernow / County Hall in Truro, starting at 10:30 AM on September 16. As the council prepares for this crucial meeting, the outcome may shape the financial landscape for parking services in Cornwall and influence local business vitality.