Wirral Council addresses parking charges and housing plans

Wirral Council held an important meeting on March 17, 2025, where many pressing issues were discussed. The meeting brought together all 66 councillors to review recent decisions and political motions. The council has faced significant financial challenges, including a nearly £28 million bailout and concerns about possible bankruptcy. Council leader Cllr Paul Stuart announced plans to step down in May after disputes within his party. One major topic was the introduction of parking charges in 22 currently free car parks, as well as certain coastal areas. This decision was finalized, but during the three-hour meeting, parking charges were only briefly mentioned. The council has already approved a £1 million plan for new parking meters to enforce these charges later this year. Councillors also debated local regeneration efforts in connection with the recently approved Local Plan. The Green Party raised concerns about transparency and community involvement in the regeneration process, arguing that the council should have applied for the government's New Towns Taskforce to help build more houses. They emphasized the need to meet the government's target of over 30,000 new homes by 2040. Other parties pushed back, accusing the Greens of damaging the town’s reputation. In another topic, the Labour Party faced setbacks in voting on NHS-related motions. While they supported efforts to improve the NHS, they were outvoted, with the Conservatives raising concerns about cuts and the removal of dementia diagnosis targets. Labour’s leader and other members argued that these government decisions were detrimental, but they ultimately lost votes on both motions. The council also updated progress on housing plans behind Merseyrail station. A decision was made to redirect £2 million in funding from a project meant to build new homes. Despite potential delays, the regeneration committee stated that plans are still moving forward and hope to submit a planning application by May 2025.