Controversial car park review finally published

Powys County Council's long-awaited car park review has concluded with recommendations that could see further increases to parking charges in Newtown's Back Lane and Gravel car parks, disappointing local councillors and businesses who have campaigned for relief from what they describe as "astronomic" charges.

The review's findings, due to be discussed by the council's scrutiny committee on Thursday 12 June, recommend reintroducing one-hour parking tariffs across the county but propose higher charges for longer stays - including £3.50 for two to four hours and £5.00 for all-day parking.

For Newtown's two main council-operated car parks, this represents another potential increase following controversial rises implemented in April 2023 that saw the removal of the popular £1 one-hour option and minimum charges increased to £2.50 for up to two hours.

The current dispute stems from parking charge increases introduced in April 2023 as part of Powys County Council's budget-balancing measures. Changes were agreed by the Council's Liberal Democrat and Labour run cabinet at the end of March and introduced last month, removing the one-hour parking option from long-stay car parks and forcing users to pay a minimum of £2.50 for two hours.

The price increases saw the total council income from car parks rise to £1.879 million last year, which is 16.3 per cent more than they made 2022/2023, despite a drop in ticket sales from 815,153 to 741,404.

Newtown's county councillor Peter Lewington has been particularly vocal in his criticism of the proposals. "I am frustrated and disappointed to see the recommendations within this report as I have fought long and hard for a fair £1 for 1 hour parking for our town – its businesses and residents," he said following the September review publication.

Councillor Lewington warned of the economic impact on local businesses, stating: "They should remember that every business lost is a loss of revenue to Powys County Council in terms of lost business rates whereas a thriving a town centre would generate the revenue they so badly seek. Once they have bled businesses dry where they will turn next?"

The councillor noted that "Businesses continue to see reduced footfall as a consequence of these astronomic car parking charges and whilst I am pleased to see this has been acknowledged in other towns across Powys I really don't understand why Newtown has been excluded" from some of the review's more lenient recommendations.

The car parking review has taken over a year to complete, with the review conducted by a politically balanced cross-party group of local councillors, included representatives from town councils and local businesses where car parks are sited, and was led by an independent, impartial consultant.

The review's key recommendations include reintroducing one-hour parking tariffs to all long-stay car parks, setting charges at £1.50 for up to one hour, £2.50 for one to two hours, £3.50 for two to four hours, and £5.00 for all-day parking, and introducing single car park permits costing £280 annually, £155 for six months, £90 for three months, and £30 for one month.

Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, Councillor Jackie Charlton, acknowledged the contentious nature of parking arrangements but defended the need for charges. "We appreciate that car parking arrangements in the county is a very emotive subject for our residents and businesses," she explained.

She emphasised the council's financial constraints, noting: "There is still more work to do with regards to the long-term plans for parking arrangements in the county but, for now, we believe that these recommendations will be acceptable to our communities, as well as being a feasible, sustainable and affordable option for the council to deliver within our tight budget constraints."

Powys County Council is currently forecasting a funding shortfall, based on national fiscal analysis, of more than £9.6million for the next financial year with that figure rising to £50.9 million or more over the next four years.

The review process has not been without complications. In November 2024, cabinet members announced they would reconsider the findings of the review following criticism from the scrutiny committee and stakeholders.

Councillor Charlton said at the time: "We are committed to finding a common ground that is acceptable to our communities, but is also a feasible, sustainable and affordable option for the council to deliver within our tight budget constraints. It is obvious that we need to go back a few steps and relook at the recommendations to make sure we are doing the right thing."

Currently, Newtown's Back Lane and Gravel car parks operate under the charges introduced in April 2023: £2.50 for up to two hours, £3.25 for two to four hours, and £4.00 for over four hours. Both are designated as long-stay car parks for all vehicle types, with the Gas Street location serving as the town's short-stay option.

The council has attempted to provide some relief through initiatives such as free parking for five Saturdays leading up to Christmas in 2023, but businesses and residents continue to call for more substantial changes.

The scrutiny committee will discuss the latest recommendations on Thursday 12 June before they proceed to cabinet for a final decision. The outcome will determine whether Newtown residents and visitors face further increases to parking charges that have already sparked more than a year of controversy and calls for reconsideration.

With the council facing significant budget pressures and local businesses concerned about footfall, the debate over car parking charges in Newtown looks set to continue as stakeholders seek a balance between financial sustainability and economic vitality for the town centre.