MSPs have refused to annul regulations allowing councils to introduce workplace parking levies – despite concerns being raised over “double taxing” and a lack of impact modelling.
Scottish Conservative spokesperson Graham Simpson attempted to annul the regulations that set out specifics for the scheme being adopted by local authorities in Scotland.
But he was told that the only way to halt the workplace parking levy going ahead would be though new primary legislation to supersede the 2019 Transport Act, which set out the new powers.
Scottish Government Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth told Holyrood’s Net Zero Committee that the Conservative attempt to annul the regulations was “misplaced, inconsistent and is at odds with policy which has been already agreed by parliament”.
Ms Gilruth warned that it was important to give councils the “appropriate regulatory tools” to implement the workplace parking levy, through the regulations.
MSPs on the committee voted four to three to reject the motion to annul the workplace parking levy regulations.
Reaction
Speaking after the meeting, Dr Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said “businesses will be incredibly disappointed” with the decision.
She added: “Rather than supporting Scotland’s economic recovery from the pandemic, this additional financial burden on businesses and their employees’ risks undermining growth.
“Businesses are just starting to recover from the severe financial impact of the past two years and employees are facing a rising cost-of-living crisis, neither can afford uncapped charges being placed on them for simply using their car to commute.
“Employers and employees in both rural and urban areas have expressed concerns over the impact the WPL could have on them. Businesses operating shifts in a range of sectors from food and drink, manufacturing to hospitality and retail have particular concerns over the availability and feasibility of employees getting to their place of work on public transport. Town and city centre recovery also relies on office worker footfall and WPL would further depress this vital part of our economy.
“Businesses will now be looking for guarantees from local authorities that they will support growth and ditch any plans to implement this damaging levy.”