West Suffolk Council approves parking charge increases and maximum Council Tax hikes after a heated debate.
Cllr Diane Hind leads on council resources. She says they make money go further and aim to get the best value. She thinks the budget helps do that.
Cllr Sarah Broughton proposed an amendment. This amendment would have reversed parking increases. The idea was to offer free parking for one hour in Newmarket and Haverhill.
The amendment would freeze Ram Meadow prices, keeping the rate at Cotton Lane in Bury. The current rate would remain, despite the council wanting to increase it. Weekly and annual tickets would also stay the same.
Conservatives wanted to absorb a 20p app charge that the council sought to bring back. A 20p increase would stay in Bury town, applying to short-stay car parks.
Pavement license rates could rise a lot. A new license might jump 400%, and renewals could grow 250%. The amendment sought to freeze these fees. All changes would cost £835,250 from reserves.
Cllr Broughton spoke about the amendment, saying the charges affect shops badly. Online shopping is already a problem, and high charges might hurt small businesses.
Cllr Hopfensperger said times are tough, putting pressure on residents and businesses. Some councillors criticized the late amendment. Others worried about using reserves.
Cllr Waterman leads the council. He said using reserves creates risks and they may face big deficits later on. The amendment failed, 26 to 29. Councillors then discussed the original plan.
Conservatives mostly agreed with the plan, but parking charges did not sit well with them. Cllr Waterman accused some of bitterness, and he had to take back his statement.
Cllr Hind said the budget helps vulnerable people. She thinks the budget also provides financial stability and invests in communities and businesses.
Council Tax will increase almost 3%. Band D properties will pay £5.85 more. Tax relief will continue for another year. The budget passed with a vote of 32 for and 21 against.