Skip hire firm owners in Liverpool are upset after the council doubled skip permit costs, impacting customers.
The Flanagan brothers operate in Liverpool and are unhappy with a council decision. The council doubled skip container road placement costs.
Barry’s Skip Hire started in 1974 on Redfern Street. The business employs around 40 people and they have provided many skip hires since its start.
The council’s choice angered the businessmen. Gerard told the ECHO he felt stuck and says the council changes happened in December.
Parking fees increased throughout the city. The council doubled skip permits to £40 and a permit lasts seven days total.
People without permits also face higher fines and breaking the rules now costs £200, increased from £150. The city struggles with a £29m gap.
The council needs money to balance its books. Social care and homelessness pressures increased the need for cash and city car parks cost more now.
Hourly rates increased significantly too and some parking fees jumped by 60%. Gerard learned about the increase shortly before it began.
Gerard does not know the reason for the increase. He feels the permit issue wasn’t well enforced. Customers bear the extra costs and he says they feel stuck.
Liverpool Council delayed the fee increase, despite no requirement to consult. The council won’t extend the permit length to 14 days, yet the price still rose.
Gerard knows the council has money troubles. He thinks 30 days’ notice would have been reasonable and states that the skip industry is complex.
A council spokesperson said skip license costs increased and this covers operational expenses. Liverpool is now in line with other cities and charges cover processing, assessments, and inspections.