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Nick Harvey MPStanding up for North Devon since 1992 |
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PARKING CHARGES A STEALTH TAX BY ANY NAME!
March 4, 2010 10:29 AM
North Devon Lib Devon County Councillors Brian Greenslade, Chris Haywood, and Geoff Fowler have attacked proposals to increase on street and residential parking charges.
The increases formed part of the recent budget debate at County Hall when despite opposition from the Liberal Democrat Group the Conservatives used their majority to force through the increases which mean that residential parking permit holders will be paying 67% more from the 1st April and many on street parking charges will rise by 10% or more.
Brian Greenslade said: "We put forward an amendment to the DCC budget which would have cancelled these charges. We did so because it was possible for the County Council to set a budget with a lower increase in council tax, protection of some vital services like highways maintenance, cancellation of these whopping increases in parking charges, had our advice been followed.
"Unfortunately the Tory Party Whip ensured their members, including the Conservative County Councillors from North Devon, voted through these staggering well above inflation increases. Asking for 67% more residential parking charges is simply a stealth tax by any measure.
"Given the very fragile recovery in the economy business in town centres like Barnstaple need every customer they can get not increases in on street parking charges that deter people from shopping in the town. Equally residents living in the town, who are also struggling with family incomes at this time, can well do without a 67% increase in the cost of their residential parking charges.
"I would urge people to write to the County Council to complain about these charges going up. They will certainly enjoy the support of myself and my County Councillor colleagues. This is just plain wrong at this very difficult economic time."
Nick Harvey adds: "I whole heartedly concur with Councillor Greenslade, a hike of almost 70% can be seen as little more than an exploitative revenue generating exercise. No one will welcome this move."
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