Wirral Council allocates £1M to support controversial parking charges in coastal areas, despite concerns and criticism.
The funding is part of a seven-year program to fund building and repair projects, with external grants financing most of it. New bids total nearly £19 million, funded by borrowing, with one bid covering £1 million in car park equipment.
Parking charges were approved in December, leading to this equipment bid, needing £750,000 for equipment, £200,000 for signage, and £50,000 more for road lining.
Borrowing will cost about £87,000 annually over ten years, but car park charges could generate £300,000 by April 2026.
Liberal Democrats and Conservatives raised concerns during a February meeting. Cllr Gilchrist asked if charges were justified in Eastham and Bromborough, worrying about damage to businesses.
Cllr Stuart said isolating one income area isn’t fair, stating the council must consider the whole of Wirral. He claimed a parking strategy supported the charges and that every party in the council had endorsed it.
Cllr Mountney questioned the £1 million bid, citing the council’s financial situation, and added a painter was upset about van parking fees, stating they should help businesses. He argued they were imposing unnecessary debt and wanted the bid removed.
Legal officers said removing the bid would reverse prior decisions, and that on-street charges must address traffic, not only exist for income. Cllr Green wished people would be honest, stating street parking has nothing to do with Wirral’s mess; it addresses specific issues.
Cllr Robinson said the budget factored in this income for 2026. Removing charges creates a £300,000 gap. The council will have to find revenue elsewhere.
A government review, conducted by Ada Burns in 2021 criticized the council’s handling of past decisions. She wanted councillors’ “explicit backing” on the issue, noting budget changes would upset some people.
The Council will likely face more unpopular decisions. Cllr Stuart said they revisit decisions too often, and pointed out a decision happened democratically. Green Party’s Cllr Cleary called it further delay, urging everyone to move forward and accept it.
After a Conservative bid to remove the funding failed, voted down by Labour and Green, the whole program passed.