Blog by Sean Houlston
Labour-led Cheshire East Council have opened a consultation to introduce evening and Sunday parking charges across the borough. It feels like Labour are asking the same questions in a different way, as in a previous consultation on the 2024/25 Council Budget, 52% of people were opposed to an increase to car parking charges compared to just 39% support.
Evening and Sunday parking charges could be the last nail in the coffin of local businesses that rely on weekend and evening trade. These businesses like small shops, pubs, restaurants, and our vibrant markets could find customers opting for out-of-town retail parks or online shopping, which would negatively damage town centres even more.
These charges would disproportionately affect residents who rely on cars, particularly those with mobility issues or who live in areas with limited public transport. With bus services already being cut, Labour’s policy risks making town centres less accessible.
Instead, they should focus on measures that support and growing local businesses, such as offering free or reduced parking during off-peak hours and improving public transport for market days. Ultimately, the more businesses we have in towns, the more business rates are paid but also more jobs are created, our town centres improve, and people’s livelihoods get better.
Labour’s plan is another step in the wrong direction after 5 years of their council tax rises.
