What a time for Southampton’s ruling Labour administration to choose to scrap free parking in local district centres.

The statement of reasons says this is “to encourage drivers to consider alternative means of transport,” but in the real world, this is another factor in considering an alternative place of purchase.

This local Labour administration is doing the opposite of trying to revitalise our district centres, adding extra burdens on potential customers, while those who make our high streets vibrant also have extra burdens thrown upon them.

What incentive is there for businesses to come and occupy empty units?

Take the former 'New Look' unit on Shirley High Street as an example. Its online listing says rent is £41,000 a year. Had the unit been occupied this year, its rateable value looks to be £4,197.38. But the Labour Government has scrapped the 75 per cent business rates discount for retail, hospitality, and leisure, replacing it with a 40 per cent discount. So, for 2025/26, those rates increase to approximately £10,073.70.

Any potential new tenant then has to sort out utility costs, all of which are rising.

Then the tenant needs to consider the employment costs. Labour have slashed the point at which employers have to start paying National Insurance contributions from £9,100 to £5,000, while at the same time increasing the percentage that has to be paid from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent. Yes, there is a little assistance for microbusinesses with the Employment Allowance, but that’s used up with approximately 10 employees.

Burden upon burden, laid upon city residents and businesses.

Local Labour should scrap these planned parking charges to safeguard the future of our local district centres.

Paul Nolan
Lordshill