Torbay Tories aim for their own parking perk while making staff pay
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Torbay Labour councillor, Darren Cowell, has tabled a motion for the next full council meeting calling for the councillor £50 Parking Permit to be scrapped. His motion has the backing of the Non-Coalition group and its leader, Cllr Mike Morey, will second the proposal.
Cllr Cowell said: “I am furious that at a time we have told our staff they will lose their free parking permit the Tory group have decided that councillors can have an annual £50 permit.
“I have made it clear that I will not accept this Tory parking perk and I will join the staff scheme.
“The Prime Minister claims we are all in this together and yet the local Tories have demonstrated how out of touch they are.
“And it’s not just the unfairness of the staff scheme, which takes no account of low-earning staff against the higher salaries of senior staff, it is insulting to the residents of Torbay.
“I have been calling for a thorough review of parking charges for several months and that is why, with the support of the Non-Coalition Group, we are calling upon the council to implement a residents’ car park permit scheme.
“Bay residents and businesses are struggling during the double-dip recession and we believe we can help by encouraging shoppers back in to our town centres.”
Cllr Morey said: “I am bitterly disappointed that despite the stated intentions of the administration to be more inclusive there has been no meaningful discussion with opposition councillors on this matter.
Cllr Morey added: “I have written to the mayor and Lib Dem leader asking for discussions to be reopened so that a more suitable solution can be found.”
Cllr Cowell has also been in discussions with Torbay Trades Council who also want the staff scheme reviewed.
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