Caerphilly Council’s Cabinet unanimously supported the motion to extend free parking for a further 12 months until 30th September 2022, to support the economic recovery.
Car park charges were suspended in council-owned car parks across the county in June 2020, a decision that was made by delegated powers. In the months that followed Cabinet have supported a number of motions to see the free parking continue.
The report, presented by Cllr. James Pritchard, highlighted the overall decision making process that needs to be considered going forward, including the financial implications of the loss of income, it was agreed that the projected income shortfall of £660k will be funded from the previously approved Covid-19 Earmarked Reserve. Season tickets will be cancelled for the duration of the extension. In addition to a further report requested to set out proposals to manage the interface between business and customer parking at Twyn Car Park, Caerphilly and Blackwood High Street Car Park, having consideration for the 12 month period of this decision.
Leader of Council, Cllr. Philippa Marsden, said, “It is important that we continue to make every effort to encourage people to ‘shop local’ and support the economic recovery of our towns and I feel extending the free parking is a key factor in that.
She continued, The report has outlined some important considerations going forward and all of these points will form an important part of the decision making process, one that will require a Joint Scrutiny cross party task and finish group. This group will, as part of this review, seek and consider the views of key stakeholders, to undertake a further review of town centre car parking charges in the future. I hope that this move will continue to bolster our towns and further encourage people to continue to support local businesses, many of which became a lifeline to the community during the height of lockdown restrictions.”
