09 Aug 2024
Newly-elected Harpenden MP Victoria Collins has taken the unusual step of wading into the debate over on-street parking in the town.
Parking does not come under the jurisdiction of an MP, being a matter for a local authority, but she said she felt she needed to give the district council feedback on their proposals which she had received from local residents.
In a letter to SADC leader Cllr Paul de Kort, seen by the St Albans Times, she raised points from constituents who were concerned about the end of the free one and two-hour parking provision and the new means-testing of pensioners’ parking permits.
Admitting that the matter sits outside her remit, and with the district council, she stressed that she hoped to work together with SADC for the best outcome for Harpenden.
Victoria said: “It is well documented and understood that years of successive central Government cuts to local government budgets in addition to rising inflationary pressures of the last few years have put local authorities in difficult positions. I know that central Government has also refused to allow councils to increase existing income streams by the same rate as inflation, which has squeezed authorities across the country. In this context, I recognise that savings have to be made and some tough decisions taken.”
She asked Cllr de Kort: “What has the council done to ensure that some free parking remains in our town centre, and that the service offered meets the needs of local residents?
“I welcome the fact that the most vulnerable pensioners and those on the lowest income will still have access to a free parking permit; but for those not in that group, what can the council do to ensure those without smartphone access or those who might struggle to use payment machines can still make use of parking spaces?
“What is the health of the High Street and what can councils and government do together to help our local businesses thrive?”
Victoria added: “Thank you for your work in protecting vital frontline services in such a tough economic environment for councils, and I look forward to working with you on these areas and others for the benefit of Harpenden and beyond.”
Speaking to the St Albans Times this week, Victoria explained: “I’m sharing that feedback locally, but then nationally we’re talking about what the Devolution Bill means for this area: how will that help improve and support local councils?
“From the beginning of my campaign was about helping to get more money and funding for local councils. Here in St Albans government funding’s been cut and cut again and so it was a question of looking at the budget and balancing it.
“I’m trying to be that voice back and saying [to SADC], ‘Look, I’m getting this feedback, this is the impact, what are you doing to mitigate and listen?’ and there have been some changes that they’ve put forwards. I’m also trying to reach out to local businesses and residents to understand that feedback and say, well, ‘Are there other things we can do?’
“For example, business rates can be really high, and that’s something we want to reform, especially as that money doesn’t even come back locally, most of it goes back to central Government. So what else can we do to help make changes and support our local area?’
