South Holland District Council agrees to increase in car park prices as it sets 2025/26 budget
Car parking tariffs across South Holland will rise from April 1.
As part of its proposed budget for 2025/26, South Holland District Council has chosen to implement a small increase in car park charges, which was formally approved at a full council meeting last Thursday (February 27).
The budget also included a 2.99% increase in council tax for South Holland services, taking the annual bill for Band D properties to £208.53—an increase of £7.11.
Currently, parking for an hour at council-owned car parks on Vine Street, Herring Lane, and at the Castle swimming pool in Spalding costs £1.20, with two hours at £1.80 and four hours at £2.80.
The new charges will rise to £1.30, £1.90, and £2.90, respectively.
The car park on Victoria Street will see the same changes, with its all-day option increasing from £4 to £4.10.
The Westlode Street car park, which does not currently have a one-hour option, will adopt the same pricing structure. Its all-day charge will also rise from £3 to £3.10, alongside council-owned sites on Holland Road, The Vista, and Winfrey Avenue.
The Sheep Market car park, which has a maximum stay of one hour, will see its charge increase from £1.50 to £1.60.
According to a report, parkers paid £381,000 in 2024/25, and the new pricing structure is expected to generate £404,000 in 2025/26.
While Sundays remain free, drivers will still be required to display a ticket.
Presenting the budget to members, Coun Paul Redgate (Conservative) stressed the significant pressures affecting the district, including the internal drainage boards levy, which now stands at £3.5 million annually.
"Each year since I have become finance portfolio holder, there have been challenges, and this year is no different, but with a different emphasis," he said.
"Driven not from worldwide events as we have seen previously, but from government and policy changes. This means that we are receiving significantly less government support than in previous years, especially with the removal of the rural services delivery grant."
Looking ahead, he said there would "no doubt" be even more challenges, referencing devolution and the reorganisation of local authorities.