The increase in parking charges mirrors the rise in inflation over the last six years
EHDC’s Cabinet has approved plans to increase car parking charges in East Hampshire for the first time in six years.
The proposals for fees and charges will now be put to Full Council to consider on Thursday 30 November.
Parking charges will increase by an average of 26.7%, in line with inflation since the last increase. If approved by Full Council, most other fees and charges are set to go up by around 10%.
The income raised by the move would fund vital front-line services and safeguard the long-term financial security of the council.
EHDC currently charges for parking in Petersfield and Alton only, with the rest of the district’s car parks being free.
The council has protected the district’s communities throughout Covid and the cost-of-living crisis by consciously taking the decision not to increase parking charges since 2017.
Increasing non-statutory fees and charges, which includes things like pre application planning advice and a garden waste collection service, are part of the council’s long-term strategic plan to ensure it has a robust financial strategy for the next five years so it can protect front-line services.