The New Labour administration that runs the Vale Council has been accused of “rank hypocrisy” after it voted against a Conservative motion calling for the scrapping of Car Parking Charges in the Vale.
Back in April - before the change of administration - a meeting of the council’s Environment & Regeneration Committee gave councillors and members of the public an opportunity to discuss the plans for parking charges in the Vale.
Members of all parties spoke against the proposals on the evening, with Labour Councillor Lis Burnett - now a Cabinet Member - describing them as “flawed”, and labelling proposals for Penarth as “a joke”. (See notes to Editors)
Labour Councillor, Sandra Perkes, Chair of Shop Local also spoke out against proposals for parking charges on Holton Road and High Street - warning that the proposals would affect the lowest paid. (See notes to editors).
All Labour Councillors present at the meeting of Full Council on Monday 29th July voted against the motion.
Cllrs Vincent Bailey and Vince Driscoll submitted the motion, and hoped to secure cross-party support. It called on the new administration to scrap proposals brought forward by former Council Leader - John Thomas.
Cllr Vincent Bailey said:
“It is deeply disappointing that the Labour Party has refused to back our motion and kick these flawed proposals for parking charges into touch.
“This is an issue of trust and public confidence in the new administration, and Vale residents will be surprised at the change in tone from the new Leadership.
“The fact is, these proposals for parking charges would have a devastating impact on High Streets across the Vale - and in particular trade on Barry Island.
“Vale Conservatives remain committed to fighting the plans, and we will be working with local traders to ensure that any new strategy for parking protects the integrity of local businesses and does not act as a tax on local residents.”
Councillor Vince Driscoll said:
“What a difference a few weeks makes, when you consider how vocal some of the new Cabinet members were in opposition to these charges.
“It’s rank hypocrisy for Labour members to vote against this motion, having vociferously opposed car parking charges in opposition.
“This debate was an opportunity to demonstrate to the public that a majority of councillors oppose the policy, and to stand shoulder to shoulder with traders on High Streets across the Vale.”
Notes
Comments attributed to Councillors Burnett and Perkes can be found in the Council Minutes for the meeting held on April 4th. (Pages 16 and 18 respectively).
https://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/Documents/_Committee%20Reports/Scrut…
The motion, tabled by Cllr VJ Bailey and VP Driscoll.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council:
- Regrets Cabinet proposals to introduce car parking charges across the Vale;
- Notes the devastating impact that the proposals – as currently drafted – would have on High Streets across the Vale, and on trade at Barry Island;
- Calls on the new Administration to scrap the proposed charges, and to endorse cross-party recommendations of the two main Scrutiny Committees