Birmingham Council changes stance on park parking charges plan
Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 10:22 · Archive
Birmingham Council has changed its position on introducing parking charges at three parks, now progressing charges only at Lickey Hills.
Birmingham Council has announced that its position on introducing parking charges at three major parks 'has changed'. The original proposals to charge at Sutton Park, Sheldon Country Park and Lickey Hills Country Park had triggered a wave of anger and concern from opposition councillors and residents.
The plans were put forward as the council sought savings amid a severe financial crisis. Birmingham City Council declared itself effectively bankrupt in 2023 while under Labour leadership, and subsequently pursued an array of cuts to local services.
The parking charge proposals proved deeply unpopular. In an informal consultation, 919 respondents (78.4 per cent) said access to Lickey Hills should remain free. Robert Alden, Conservative group leader, previously described the charges as 'unfair, unjustified and completely out of touch with the people of Birmingham'. Bradley Thomas, Conservative MP for Bromsgrove, condemned the proposed charges for Lickey Hills, saying: 'We're quite literally paying the price for Birmingham City Council's financial mismanagement. This comes at a time where access to green spaces and healthy lifestyles are more important than ever.'
A council report from earlier this year had suggested the charges could be implemented during summer 2026. The authority has now reconsidered, and after examining the 'individual circumstances' of each park, it will progress new parking charges only at Lickey Hills during 2026/27. The plans for Sutton Park and Sheldon Country Park have been scaled back.
How it is being reported
- Birmingham Council says 'position has changed' on parking changes at three major parksBirmingham Council's proposals to introduce parking charges at three parks previously sparked backlashBirminghamLive · 5 Nov, 09:57
- ‘Position has changed’ on controversial Birmingham beauty spot parking charge planThe council’s proposals to introduce new charges at Sutton Park, Sheldon Country Park and Lickey Hills Country Park previously triggered a wave of angerBirmingham World · 4 Nov, 11:50
- ‘Position has changed’ on controversial Birmingham beauty spot parking charge planThe council’s proposals to introduce new charges at Sutton Park, Sheldon Country Park and Lickey Hills Country Park previously triggered a wave of angerExpress & Star · 4 Nov, 11:50
In this story: Birmingham Council · Sutton Park · Sheldon Country Park · Lickey Hills Country Park · Robert Alden · Bradley Thomas
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