Breckland Council pauses parking charge plans due to local government reorganization and strong community opposition.
The council did research before halting the plan. The government’s devolution ideas prompted this halt. Norfolk has eight councils currently, but these might disappear soon, with new councils possibly replacing them as part of Labour’s devolution plan.
Norfolk uses a two-tier council system. Norfolk County Council provides some services, while city, district, and borough councils handle others. The changes could create unitary councils; these would offer all services. Also, a mayor will be elected to serve Norfolk and Suffolk.
Sam Chapman-Allen leads Breckland Council. He strongly criticized the “mega councils,” stating that the government lacked evidence for its plans. He spoke this week at a council meeting, stating that introducing parking charges must wait until reorganization is finished.
Chapman-Allen explained it was an emotive subject. He said they engaged with the communities, and the council will pause the policy’s progress. A new administration can then decide the matter, as Breckland’s parking charge plan caused controversy.
The council said fees would maintain car parks. Many worried about damage to high streets, feeling the changes would be harmful.