Liberal Democrats slam “Christmas cash grab” as Council hikes city centre parking prices

Liberal Democrat councillors have criticised the Labour-run City of York Council’s decision to hike city centre parking charges over the Christmas period, branding it a “Christmas cash grab” at the expense of local residents and businesses.

Under the changes, parking charges between Sunday and Thursday will be increased to match the higher weekend rates for the duration of the Christmas Market. The move, the Council claims, will help balance the budget but local councillors warn it risks driving shoppers away from York’s high streets at the very time businesses rely on festive footfall to make much of their yearly profit. 

Cllr Ashley Mason, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for the Economy, said: 

“This Christmas cash grab is the wrong move at the wrong time. At a period when most city centre businesses make the bulk of their annual profit, Labour are putting up barriers that will simply turn people away. 

“The Council should be supporting local traders, not using Christmas as an excuse to raise more money. If they genuinely need the extra income, it should be ringfenced to fund a permanent cheaper 30-minute parking option for residents who just want to pop into town to support their local shops year round.”