Town council hits out at potential new car parking charges in Daventry
Introducing car parking charges in Daventry will reduce town centre footfall, negatively affect businesses, hit the pocket of workers and undermine community events, the town council has warned.
West Northamptonshire Council has included plans for car park charges in the town in its draft budget proposals for the 2026/27 financial year.
The plans have been met with vocal protests. WNC says the plans are “very much in draft and will be shaped by consultation”.
Now Daventry Town Council has submitted its formal response, expressing strong opposition to the proposals.
“Members have warned that the introduction of charges could reduce town centre footfall, negatively affect local businesses, place additional financial strain on town centre workers, and undermine community events that are central to Daventry’s identity and economic vitality,” a spokesperson said.
"The council also has concerns about the lack of clear, location-specific evidence to support the introduction of parking charges in Daventry,” the spokesperson added.
The town council has also expressed concern about the proposed 4.99% increase in council tax.
Councillor Mark Arnull, leader of WNC, said “Introducing and updating parking charges helps us manage limited spaces, encourage fair turnover for local shops and businesses, and maintain car parks to a high standard. “These proposals are still very much in draft and will be shaped by public consultation and we are actively looking at how we might be able to shape them further based on the feedback we receive such as for example, exploring the possibility of some concessions to support short visits and local trade. The final proposals will be subject to decision by full council next month.”