Herefordshire parking charges could rise to help balance budget

Parking charges are likely to see a small increase across Herefordshire from April.

Herefordshire Council is looking for ways to balance its books and is responsible for more than 50 car parks, with more than 4,000 spaces.

In 2021 the sites raised £3.3m and the member responsible for finance, Pete Stoddart, said a 20p increase in fees was likely.

The Conservative-led council is facing an overspend this financial year.

It has been seeking ways to reduce that in future years, with Mr Stoddart confirming the council plans to save £4.5m by persuading 100 employees to take voluntary early retirement.

Council leader Jonathan Lester said such cuts would be "a challenge to implement" yet focused in a way that would ensure "key services" were not affected.

True Independents leader Bob Matthews has indicated his group may challenge parking rises, saying the increase may drive people away from towns and harm business.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [email protected]