Council set to increase parking and wedding charges
BBCLeicestershire County Council is looking to increase the costs of some of its services to help it balance its books.
The Reform UK-run authority is facing an £85m budget gap by 2030 and said it would look at ways of maximising its income by raising fees and charges "where it makes sense to do so".
Higher charges for annual parking tickets at country parks and fees for getting married at register offices are among measures set out in a report to be discussed by the council's cabinet on Tuesday.
Opposition councillors have described the proposed increases as "hidden taxes".
The council has launched a major review of all aspects of its £1.3bn annual spending, with the aim of making £58.7m of efficiency savings over the next four years.
Part of the plan, called Better Leicestershire, involves "income maximisation" proposals aimed at generating £390,000 over that period.
A report by consultants employed to carry out the review said the authority could be "generally working in a more commercial way".
The proposals include raising the price of a season parking ticket at council-run country parks from £85 to £95 as well as £10 increases for some register office ceremony fees.
The report also suggests the council could increase meal prices at its staff restaurant at County Hall in Glenfield to generate £80,000.
Kevin Crook, deputy council leader and cabinet member for culture and heritage, said: "Our efficiency review is about gripping our budget and making every pound we spend work harder.
"It's a major project, leaving no stone unturned, and includes increasing fees where it makes sense to do so, with all money collected going back into running and improving our services, including country parks."
Deborah Taylor, leader of the council's Conservative opposition group, said: "This is Reform putting up the costs of services.
"It's a political choice.
"They chose to increase council tax by 2.99% and made a big point of that.
"Then they have hidden taxes like these increases to make up the difference."
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