• Home

To all employers affected by the Workplace Parking Levy

A message from the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, George Cowcher:

Come April 2010, there could be a new tax in the UK - the Workplace Parking Levy (WPL). This would be a tax on jobs and competitiveness; is unpopular with businesses and workers alike - and frankly couldn't come at a worse time for business. The WPL is being described as a blueprint for future transport income generation. Nottingham is looking to be the first city to impose the tax and others would probably follow. Join the campaign now to stop the WPL!

The WPL would be imposed on employers with 11 or more car parking spaces in one or more locations within the Nottingham City Council boundary. This would be initially at a rate of £185 per space per annum but would rise to £350 by 2014. Those with fewer than 11 spaces may not be liable to pay the levy, at least for now, but will still have the administrative burden of applying annually for exemption.  For Nottingham City Council's perspective on the WPL and further details about the proposed scheme visit http://www.nottinghamwpl.com/  

The Chamber has been facilitating the opposition to the WPL and a Stop the Workplace Parking Levy (WPL) Committee has been implementing an action plan agreed by those who attended the meeting at Boots on 2 July 2008.  It has mobilised 2000 written objections to the Nottingham Workplace Parking Levy Order which have been forwarded onto to the Secretary of State for Transport.

Geoff Hoon, The Secretary of State for Transport has now received the Order and is expected to make a decision before the end of the year. This is a crucial time for the campaign in terms of increasing awareness and opposition against this proposed new tax. So far the Campaign has operated using the administrative resources of the Chamber and the efforts of those on the campaign committee.

We do now need to increase our efforts and are collecting contributions towards a campaign fighting fund. We have secured some funding from members and this is being used to engage a PR company to raise the profile locally, regionally and nationally and also to provide marketing materials. We have been lobbying politicians and distributing leaflets at the Party Conferences.  

Workplace Parking Levy - Survey

Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce is seeking to provide up to date information and views about the proposed Workplace Parking Levy and its impact on Nottingham's economy and employers located in the city. Please take a couple of minutes to complete the survey and please be assured that your individual responses will be treated confidentially.  To access the survey please click here

 We are looking to raise a minimum of £15,000 to sustain the activity through to the end of the year.  If you are willing to contribute financially to this campaign please contact our Head of Policy & Representation, John Dowson by sending confirmation of contribution to john.dowson@dncc.co.uk  or by phone on 01159 330049. 

It would also be helpful to know whether you would be happy for your organisation to be named in campaign literature and involved in campaign activities or whether you wish to remain anonymous. Campaign pledges have so far have ranged from over £1000 from the largest companies to £150 from the smallest but any contribution would be appreciated.

The campaign steering group is meeting to drive forward the campaign action plan. It is looking to engage PR support to raise awareness of national and regional influencers to influence the Secretary of State's decision.

 Examples of the national profile can be viewed by clicking on the hyperlinks below:

Daily Telegraph 25 September

Daily Telegraph 29 September

Daily Mirror 30 September

Daily Mail 30 September

 If you are willing to contribute towards the costs of the campaign please contact  me or John Dowson as follows:-

Tel:  0845 601 1038

Email: george.cowcher@dncc.co.uk   
or john.dowson@dncc.co.uk  

 
George Cowcher
Director & Chief Executive
Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce