Lib Dem plans to impose an unfunded car parking charge freeze in Woking were rejected as “disappointing” and “irresponsible” by Woking Council leader John Kingsbury this week as the council voted to implement a small rise from April next year.
The rise is necessary to protect Woking Borough Council’s income levels in the face of what could be one of the toughest government funding settlements in recent memory. The council has invested heavily in making its car parks some of the best in the county and money is needed to pay for these improvements as well as keep Council Tax down.
In the council chamber on Thursday evening, Cllr Kingsbury challenged the Lib Dems to explain how they would raise the £400,000 of additional income that the modest increases are projected to make. “Perhaps the Liberal Democrats would suggest that we close down one or more of our excellent day centres,” he said.
“Or maybe they believe that we should stop our funding for Woking Community Transport, who we give a lot of money to each year in order to transport people from their homes to our day centres. Perhaps they will get that money by cutting grants to the voluntary sector, which we fund each year to help those people in our society who need it the most.
“Either way, the Liberal Democrats need to say what they would cut if they are going to freeze car parking charges. I am very disappointed that there appears to be some politicking about this — a feeling that the election campaign for 2013 has started even earlier than usual.
“It is the usual Lib Dem story — opposing everything that they think might be unpopular in order to try and win votes. Woking Conservatives would rather make the decisions that will secure this council’s financial viability. We believe this approach offers residents the best deal in the long-term.”
An attempt by the Lib Dems to foist an unfunded freeze on the council that would have meant service and grant cuts was defeated by Conservative councillors. Future improvements to the town centre include a new Town Market in Peacock Walk and the upgrading of Commercial Way.