Newcastle motorists to see 10p parking charge increase from April
Motorists in Newcastle will see most parking charges go up by 10p or more from April. Leaders at Newcastle Borough Council have agreed to increase fees and charges by an average of four per cent in 2025/26, following an annual review.
The increase will apply across all services, including parking, cemeteries and leisure, but individual charges may go up by more or less than four per cent. Parking for one or two hours on car parks in and around the town centre will go up by 10p, with bigger increases for longer stays, although the £1 evening charge which applies after 1pm will remain the same.
The cost of a swim or gym session at Jubilee 2 leisure centre will increase from £6.30 to £6.60, while a 12-month premium membership will go up from £32 to £33.50 a month. The council has also introduced a number of new charges, including a £2 admin fee for booking tennis courts at Westlands and Wolstanton.
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According to a council report, the new fees and charges take into account a number of factors, including the cost of providing services and the charges imposed by other councils. Some fees have been frozen due to the ongoing 'cost of living challenges' and concerns that increases could hit service uptake.
Councillor Stephen Sweeney, cabinet member for finance, said: "We're basically looking at a four per cent rise - some are less, some are reductions, and some stay the same.
"One thing I'd like to point out is that parking for £1 after 1pm is still going. This council has never used our car parking as a cash cow. You read the Daily Mail and it seems every council milks the driver, but we don't. Charges are simply a way of controlling parking and paying for our traffic wardens.
"Nobody wants a rise but I think four per cent is in line with our medium term financial strategy."