A parking permit scheme at Renfrewshire House in Paisley – previously branded 'scandalous' by one councillor – will be reviewed after a year. The charging system was reintroduced for employees and elected members at the local authority's headquarters in Cotton Street in April. The permit is valid between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday, with the lowest tier costing £350 per year. The other two tiers are priced at £400 and £450.
Councillor's criticism and amendment
Councillor Eddie Devine, a vocal critic of the scheme, initially called for it to cease pending a review of its operations at a full council meeting. However, he accepted an amendment from SNP council leader Iain Nicolson, suggesting an update on its implementation after six months and a review after 12 months instead, which was ultimately agreed. Councillor Devine, who represents Paisley Southeast, said: 'I'm glad that we've got the reaction that we've now got because that's why we wanted to bring it – to get this out and spoken about.'
He added: 'If I'm going to get the blame for something, I prefer to take that decision but this decision didn't come to councillors as far as I'm aware. It was officers that implemented it. I'm quite happy to accept Councillor Nicolson's amendment because that's basically what we're looking for – for this to be looked into and come back with a solution.'
Background and trade union discussions
Similar plans to reintroduce a charging scheme at Renfrewshire House emerged just over two years ago but were delayed due to discussions with trade unions. A sticking point for Unison was it felt some free provision had to be offered, which is now in place at Saucel Crescent and Lonend car parks. Staff whose role requires them to regularly attend Renfrewshire House for short periods are provided with short-stay permits, with spaces allocated for this purpose.
However, Councillor Devine labelled the overall scheme 'scandalous' in February, firing: 'They're just screwing every penny out of the public and the workforce that they can.'
Council leader's response
Councillor Nicolson, who represents Erskine and Inchinnan, confirmed it was an 'operational matter' at this week's meeting but acknowledged elected members would have an interest in it. He said: 'I think members are aware there was a previous scheme in place prior to Covid. I also understand that obviously elected members have got an interest in how the scheme is operating. I think it's reasonable enough to have an update provided at six months but to give us a full picture over the seasons of the year about the usage I think you need to have 12 months involved in that one.'
