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25
Feb
Lib Dems say Tories in ‘financial disarray’ after car parking U-turn
The Liberal Democrats have accused the Conservatives of being in “financial disarray” over parking charges in North Yorkshire.
Tory-controlled North Yorkshire Council performed a U-turn yesterday (February 24) on plans to massively increase car parking tariffs and introduce blanket nighttime and weekend charges across the county.
Some tariffs would have risen more than 300% — 100 times more than the current rate of inflation — as part of the plans to raise £3.6 million.
Councillor Carl Les’ cabinet met informally yesterday after many party members expressed dismay at the changes and claimed they weren’t consulted.
A report by Steve Brown, the council’s head of parking services, detailing the proposals has been taken down from the council website.
Fresh proposals, which are expected to apply a 10% increase all council on-street and off-street parking, are due to be unveiled this week.
Leadership 'manoeuvres'?
A Lib Dem press release today said “rebellious councillors” had shot down the policy and “heaped further pressure on the beleaguered leader, Councillor Carl Les and his deputy. Councillor Gareth Dadd”.
It claimed the ruling Conservatives and Independents group at Northallerton is “running out of steam”. The group holds 45 of 90 seats, with elections due in May next year.
The Lib Dems also claimed Cllr Keane Duncan, who resigned as highways chief from Cllr Les’ cabinet last year, was “on manoeuvres” to replace the council leader.
Cllr Peter Lacey, Lib Dem and Liberal group leader on the council, said
Adding to the ongoing controversy over home to school transport we now have another example of the insensitive blanket policy implementation that takes no account of local circumstances. We were promised town car parking plans and a process of engagement. This proposed move undermines any local trust in the Tory administration. This isn’t just about car parking, it’s about competence.
Many questions remain unanswered. These changes require consultation and should not therefore have been included in the now withdrawn paper. How will the budget gap be filled? How can meaningful conversations with area committees and local businesses about local car parking arrangements be undertaken now that the Conservative and Independents group has revealed its hand?
Cllr Les told the Stray Ferret yesterday: “The executive member is considering the proposals.”
Cllr Duncan said:
I have long advocated for an expansion of free parking across North Yorkshire as an essential investment in our town centres.
I will continue to campaign for a fair and consistent parking policy that supports our traders and encourages people to shop locally.
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