Free Parking Hour Urged as Huntingdonshire Tax Increase Agreed

Some council members wanted free parking for an hour. This would help local shops, they said. Others claimed their plans cut essential services. The council held a meeting about the new budget. It happened on February 26th.

They agreed to raise council tax by 3.11 percent. This adds £5 for some homes, which will now pay £165.86 yearly. The total tax bill will be higher, also including other services’ costs like fire, police, and county services.

A council member, Brett Mickelburgh, spoke about finances, stating times are getting tighter this year. He added that local government changes caused some issues. The government wants fewer councils in the area.

Mickelburgh said the district council might disappear, making future plans hard to make. He added that they all want what is best. They will use £1 million to affect changes, a “fighting fund” to help.

Mickelburgh stated finances are good overall and the budget lets them plan well. But, Ross Martin disagreed with the budget, thinking it misses key information. He thinks it overestimates costs and underestimates income.

Martin accused them of taking too much money, then mentioned spending it on “vanity projects.” His group proposed some changes. They wanted lower consulting fees, plus reverse market fee hikes and offer free parking.

Martin asked about climate change consultant costs and questioned local plan expenses. He said the plan was supposed to be done. Martin wanted small yearly price hikes for One Leisure, which helps shops and keeps finances in check.

Another council member, Simon Bywater, spoke up, believing in low taxes and careful spending. He thinks consultants cost too much, and wants more money for local services instead. A colleague, Jonathan Gray, agreed on parking.

Some leaders criticized the late notice of the changes. They did not get enough time to review them. Tom Sanderson spoke about some issues raised. He said local plans must be redone regularly. Saving money helps with future costs, he said.

Nathan Hunt said the changes hurt climate plans and claimed opposition members were not helping. Simone Taylor said she was surprised by cuts. The market fee increase is about £4.76 weekly, which helps cover market costs.

Martin Hassall does not think free parking helps towns. The group’s changes failed to pass. The main budget ended up getting approved, with most of the leaders voting for it.