A council has been told its plans to increase the price of residents’ parking permits by up to 40% are “not realistic”, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
The proposal for permits in Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street and Durham City would generate an additional £40,000, Durham County Council said.
Plans for the potential changes have been included in the council’s budget for 2026-2027.
But the price hike of between £12 to £24 has been questioned by rival councillors.
Councillor Mark Wilkes, Liberal Democrat member for Framwellgate and Newton Hall, told a council meeting: “Whacking people with a 40% increase in one year is not realistic. If you are going to increase charges, why won’t you just factor them in over a number of years instead?”
The council currently charge for car parking permits for residents, their visitors and construction vehicles within controlled parking areas/zones. Permits were first introduced in 2007 to exempt residents from on-street parking charges and/or parking restrictions.
Councillor Tim McGuinness, cabinet member for rural, farming and transport, responded: “This will be the first increase in permit charges since 2015, and taking into account various increases in costs coming forward and the downtrend in income collected, it has become necessary to pass this on at a modest increase of four pence per day, per permit to users of the scheme.
“Had previous administrations ensured costs align with inflation as standard, we would not likely be in this situation.
“Even under current proposals, increases are still below inflation.”
Durham County Council estimates it would receive an additional £565,000 through the changes, which also include raising car parking fees throughout the county.
Proposals included increasing tariffs in Durham City by 30p per half hour and 10p per hour in Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street and Seaham.
Final decisions on the proposals will be made by the council in February 2026.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
