Northamptonshire councils earn £4m from car parks in a year

Figures show two Conservative-controlled Northamptonshire councils earned more than £4m from car parking in a year

Two Conservative-controlled councils earned more than £4m from car parking in 2023, figures show.

West Northamptonshire Council earned more than £3m and North Northamptonshire Council more than £1m.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service gathered figures after making freedom of information requests.

One multi-storey generated more than £600,000, but both councils have said income goes towards car park upkeep and other services.

West Northamptonshire Council manages 19 paid and 19 free car parks, according to its website.

Northampton is the only town with parking fees - parking is free in Brackley, Daventry and Towcester.

Figures showed St Johns multi-storey, in Swan Street, Northampton, generated £607,472 and was the highest-earning West Northamptonshire car park.

The Grosvenor multi-storey, in Greyfriars, Northampton, generated £422,050

'Vital Services'

"Part of our parking income is used for upkeep and associated costs, like payment machines, security and so on," said councillor Phil Larratt.

"The remainder is used to support vital services like adult social care, children's services, education, highways, housing, and refuse and recycling collections."

Mr Larratt, cabinet member for environment, transport, highways and waste, added: "Parking is never free, someone always pays for it, whether it's all taxpayers or just those who use the car parks."

He said the council tried to "strike a balance" between what visitors were likely to be able to afford and the need to cover the cost of services.

'Strategy'

North Northamptonshire Council manages 13 paid car parks, including sites at five country parks, and 27 free car parks

Two Kettering car parks - on London Road and Wadcroft - generated the most for North Northamptonshire.

London Road generated £209,500 and Wadcroft £191,894.

The council says money made is spent on the maintenance and provision of parking, and on country parks.

Council leader Jason Smithers said: "The council is developing a parking strategy for council-owned car parks, which will consider a range of improvements to our car parks, and consider the current charging regime and changes to it."