TOWN councillors in Minehead are being recommended to call for controversial increases in car parking charges to be paused.

Somerset Council intends to hike charges by 10 per cent from January 2, and to raise them even further from September of next year.

Now, the town council is considering writing to the unitary authority to express deep concern at the scale and potential impact of the new charges, particularly in Minehead, which is heavily reliant on tourism, seasonal trade, and ‘a thriving independent business community’.

Town clerk Ben Parker has drafted a letter to be considered by councillors at a meeting on Tuesday (October 13) setting out local concerns.

The letter recognises the ‘significant financial pressures’ facing Somerset Council and the need for it to regularly review fees and charges to ensure services remained financially sustainable.

But, it said parking was not simply a ‘revenue-generating service’.

It said: “In rural and coastal communities it is an essential part of the local economy.

“The ease, affordability, and attractiveness of parking directly influences where people choose to visit, shop, dine, and spend their leisure time.

“Significant increases in charges risk creating a barrier for visitors at a time when many households continue to face financial pressures of their own.

“The concern is not limited to visitors.

“Local residents, employees, and businesses will also feel the effects.

“Many people have little alternative to travelling by car, and increasing costs may have unintended consequences for town centre footfall, business viability, and the long-term economic vitality of our high street.”

Mr Parker said the town council was the closest tier of local government to the community and had an important role to play in informing such decisions.

He said: “No organisation understands the needs, challenges, and characteristics of its local area better than its local council.

“We therefore respectfully urge Somerset Council to engage meaningfully with town and parish councils at the earliest possible opportunity when considering future revisions to parking policy and charges.

“We understand the current proposals may represent only the first stage of a wider programme of changes, with further reviews anticipated in the future.

“It is therefore vital constructive dialogue takes place now, before additional increases are considered.

“Local councils, businesses, and community stakeholders should be given the opportunity to help shape a parking strategy that balances Somerset Council’s financial requirements with the economic realities of the communities affected.

“Minehead Town Council stands ready to engage positively in those discussions.

“We are not seeking to oppose change for the sake of it.

“Rather, we wish to ensure decisions are informed by local knowledge, evidence, and an understanding of the potential impacts on residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

“We therefore ask that Somerset Council pauses to consider the wider implications of these proposals and commits to meaningful engagement with affected communities before any further increases are introduced.”