Bradford Council departments spend £37,000 on free parking for staff (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Councillors did not know!
Who is in charge of Bradford?

If Bradford Council expect businesses, residents and shoppers in the city centre to pay for parking, they should pay too, if everyone else is expected to cough up for the likes of NCP they should too.

Unless they’re a set of two faced hypocrites, which unfortunately they look to be.

All councillors seem to suffer from a$re elbow disease so it's no suprise they don't know what is going on under their noses.
This is one of the side issues to putting parking costs here there and everywhere. Why are shoppers charged to visit the city center but the council workers have their parking paid for?
It does the council no favours when they are accused of looking after themselves first to have things like this happening, one councillor recentley defended this so saying they knew nothing about it is just a standard councillor tag line.

Was down town this morning, and I noticed the town hall seems to have turned err "green". Might this have something to do with the fountains, and maybe something to do with that helicopter aerial surveying thing that's reported to have been there yesterday (can't see why no comment there?). It would be typical of this council to have designed and built something which causes damage to other stuff, and incures even more costs.

The Council should be setting a good example of minimising car use and promoting sustainable travel. That said, if the council actually charged their staff for parking they could at least cover the cost or maybe even make some money on it!

I think that council workers who use cars as a necessary part of work should have free parking.
The rest should pay. Why should we pay to keep an office workers vehicle on a car park all day.

It would help if the T & A would get the correct picture of the car park in question. this is not the car park in question. this is a private car park.....Typical T&A

WHAT HIPOCRISY!
ALL councillors have free parking in Jacob's Well Car Park in the heart of the City Centre!
Oh Dear............

PotCallinKettle wrote:
WHAT HIPOCRISY!
ALL councillors have free parking in Jacob's Well Car Park in the heart of the City Centre!
Oh Dear............

That needs stopping, it's about time the council paid the charges they are forcing on everyone else, if they believe charges are justified for private sector workers in the centre, for residents and shoppers then they should lead by example and pay them too.

I wonder how many of these staff use free parking outside of their working hours?

Newswatcher wrote:
I think that council workers who use cars as a necessary part of work should have free parking. The rest should pay. Why should we pay to keep an office workers vehicle on a car park all day.

I agree with newswatcher. There are some council workers who have to use their cars as it is a necessary part of their job and so they should have free parking. The office workers should pay like everyone else.

Mojohappy4 wrote:

Newswatcher wrote: I think that council workers who use cars as a necessary part of work should have free parking. The rest should pay. Why should we pay to keep an office workers vehicle on a car park all day.

I agree with newswatcher. There are some council workers who have to use their cars as it is a necessary part of their job and so they should have free parking. The office workers should pay like everyone else.

That seems to be a sensible balance. If during the course of a working day staff have to use their car to go on council duty then parking should be paid for, otherwise, they have to pay out like all ordinary city centre workers.

What about using some of our surplus parking meters in the Jacobs well carpark? It could also double up as a public car park on a weekend and bring some revenue in.

sexysam wrote:
It would help if the T & A would get the correct picture of the car park in question. this is not the car park in question. this is a private car park.....Typical T&A

Aren't they renting spaces in a private car park?

Albion. wrote:

sexysam wrote:
It would help if the T & A would get the correct picture of the car park in question. this is not the car park in question. this is a private car park.....Typical T&A

Aren't they renting spaces in a private car park?

Correct that's the story.

but we,re all in this together. deary me this council have ruined bfd. scrap parking fees alltogether.

but we,re all in this together. deary me this council have ruined bfd. scrap parking fees alltogether.

Charge them for parking and it will no doubt end up being clawed back in expenses somewhere along the line.

This story is typical our politicians. Much as I usually disagree with Mr Greenwood, the Tories are being a bit hypocritical now in complaining about it if they did nothing about it while they were in charge.

We recently went shopping to Leeds and were amazed at the contrast of the two city centres. One is grey, dead and populated by unmentionables and the other one, vibrant, colourful and a delight to be in. Needless to say, we stayed and had a wonderful meal on the Headrow in opulent surroundings. We parked at Pudsey station which is free and got the train to Leeds which was under £10 pounds return for a family of four.

Foolroy wrote:
We recently went shopping to Leeds and were amazed at the contrast of the two city centres. One is grey, dead and populated by unmentionables and the other one, vibrant, colourful and a delight to be in. Needless to say, we stayed and had a wonderful meal on the Headrow in opulent surroundings. We parked at Pudsey station which is free and got the train to Leeds which was under £10 pounds return for a family of four.

Good for you.

Clowny wrote:

Albion. wrote:

sexysam wrote:
It would help if the T & A would get the correct picture of the car park in question. this is not the car park in question. this is a private car park.....Typical T&A

Aren't they renting spaces in a private car park?

Correct that's the story.

Some people read the story before commenting, & some just make themselves look silly.

When are you moving those illegal bollards, as the Council have requested sexysam, so the library bus can visit the old folk in St Mary's Court again?

I am surprised that Cllr.Miller has only just discovered this? Is it because he is now in "opposition". What about the "chits" that have allowed councillors and employees to park in Hall Ings multistorey, which I am sure Cllr Miller has used?
Perhaps the reasoning is that while nobody was looking at council spending it was OK to waste taxpayers money?
If this has been the attitude it is no wonder that Bradford Council are in the mess that they seem to be in. It makes you wonder what other historic "is doesn't matter the money will always be there" waste is lurking within the depths of Bradford.
All Councillors take OUR money, in expenses, to protect OUR interests. Therefore they are ALL ultimately resposible for letting OUR money be wasted. If they cannot control the massive administration they are not "fit for purpose" neither is the organisation and it should be abolished and something that can be controlled by elected members put in it's place.
The experiment that is BMDC has gone on for long enough and already brought a once proud and wealthy area to it's knees, must it be allowed to carry on until it has actually suceeds in killing the city and it's outlying towns?

I don't see anything wrong with this. It is quite right that the Council should pay for its workers parking fees, other companies should do the same. the Council are quite rightly setting an example for other employers to follow.

Outraged Citizen wrote:
I don't see anything wrong with this. It is quite right that the Council should pay for its workers parking fees, other companies should do the same. the Council are quite rightly setting an example for other employers to follow.

Spoken like a council sock puppet, this was your exact quote on everyone else having to pay for parking:

"Parking meters are a much needed deterrent to the over usage of cars. We have to do something to reduce the amount of traffic in the city. Make the idle bugggers walk!"

Does that no also count for council workers too, or are they more important than private sector workers, shoppers and residents of the city centre?

I think the T&A should have offered some journalistic balance with this report.

Question - Are the rented car parks used by council officers who are under contract to use their own car to carry out their council work duties? Answer – Most definitely!

Question - What money is spent on councillor parking expenses? Answer – I bet you anything the average spend on councillor parking expenses is higher than the average spend on rented car parking for council employee’s who have to provide a car for work purposes.

Now that would be an interesting read and show some reporting balance!


Is the amount of money spent on renting car parking space proportionate to the

And they have just had the council budget meeting today. Hopefully as this issue has already been raised there will be a blanket ban on all 'free parking' for council workers and councillors. If a car is needed for the job being done, then that should be expense claimed. The rest must use the wonderful public transport or let the idle buggers walk(cheers clowny) as their jobs and input are of no more worth or value than any other.

Theft of public funds basically.

When the park becomes the joke we expect and they can't afford to keep the fountains on as the 80m per year never materialises, they could always park there, thats if an illegal bazzar hasn't set up there first, I see the one in Lidget Green is still going without permission, how longs that 7months?

Outraged Citizen wrote:
I don't see anything wrong with this. It is quite right that the Council should pay for its workers parking fees, other companies should do the same. the Council are quite rightly setting an example for other employers to follow.

You still don't get it do you? The COUNCIL is not paying YOU are. So is the pensioner, the working single parent and the person that's just been made redundant. Perks like this may be fine in Lala land but this is Bradford in the middle of a recession!!!!!

keighley4keighley wrote:
I am surprised that Cllr.Miller has only just discovered this? Is it because he is now in "opposition". What about the "chits" that have allowed councillors and employees to park in Hall Ings multistorey, which I am sure Cllr Miller has used? Perhaps the reasoning is that while nobody was looking at council spending it was OK to waste taxpayers money? If this has been the attitude it is no wonder that Bradford Council are in the mess that they seem to be in. It makes you wonder what other historic "is doesn't matter the money will always be there" waste is lurking within the depths of Bradford. All Councillors take OUR money, in expenses, to protect OUR interests. Therefore they are ALL ultimately resposible for letting OUR money be wasted. If they cannot control the massive administration they are not "fit for purpose" neither is the organisation and it should be abolished and something that can be controlled by elected members put in it's place. The experiment that is BMDC has gone on for long enough and already brought a once proud and wealthy area to it's knees, must it be allowed to carry on until it has actually suceeds in killing the city and it's outlying towns?

Did you know Councillors have to pay £3,000 a year tax on their allowances, so they are not getting their expenses for nothing.

keighley4keighley wrote:
I am surprised that Cllr.Miller has only just discovered this? Is it because he is now in "opposition". What about the "chits" that have allowed councillors and employees to park in Hall Ings multistorey, which I am sure Cllr Miller has used? Perhaps the reasoning is that while nobody was looking at council spending it was OK to waste taxpayers money? If this has been the attitude it is no wonder that Bradford Council are in the mess that they seem to be in. It makes you wonder what other historic "is doesn't matter the money will always be there" waste is lurking within the depths of Bradford. All Councillors take OUR money, in expenses, to protect OUR interests. Therefore they are ALL ultimately resposible for letting OUR money be wasted. If they cannot control the massive administration they are not "fit for purpose" neither is the organisation and it should be abolished and something that can be controlled by elected members put in it's place. The experiment that is BMDC has gone on for long enough and already brought a once proud and wealthy area to it's knees, must it be allowed to carry on until it has actually suceeds in killing the city and it's outlying towns?

Did you know Councillors have to pay £3,000 a year tax on their allowances, so they are not getting their expenses for nothing.

Reality001 wrote:

keighley4keighley wrote:
I am surprised that Cllr.Miller has only just discovered this? Is it because he is now in "opposition". What about the "chits" that have allowed councillors and employees to park in Hall Ings multistorey, which I am sure Cllr Miller has used? Perhaps the reasoning is that while nobody was looking at council spending it was OK to waste taxpayers money? If this has been the attitude it is no wonder that Bradford Council are in the mess that they seem to be in. It makes you wonder what other historic "is doesn't matter the money will always be there" waste is lurking within the depths of Bradford. All Councillors take OUR money, in expenses, to protect OUR interests. Therefore they are ALL ultimately resposible for letting OUR money be wasted. If they cannot control the massive administration they are not "fit for purpose" neither is the organisation and it should be abolished and something that can be controlled by elected members put in it's place. The experiment that is BMDC has gone on for long enough and already brought a once proud and wealthy area to it's knees, must it be allowed to carry on until it has actually suceeds in killing the city and it's outlying towns?

Did you know Councillors have to pay £3,000 a year tax on their allowances, so they are not getting their expenses for nothing.

I don't understand your arguement. of course tax is paid as it's income no one is thinking councillors get stuff tax free.
.
I have to pay for my trip to work via road tax, petrol, etc. So I pay taxes juat to earn money to pay tax.

Thee Voice of Reason wrote:

Reality001 wrote:

keighley4keighley wrote: I am surprised that Cllr.Miller has only just discovered this? Is it because he is now in "opposition". What about the "chits" that have allowed councillors and employees to park in Hall Ings multistorey, which I am sure Cllr Miller has used? Perhaps the reasoning is that while nobody was looking at council spending it was OK to waste taxpayers money? If this has been the attitude it is no wonder that Bradford Council are in the mess that they seem to be in. It makes you wonder what other historic "is doesn't matter the money will always be there" waste is lurking within the depths of Bradford. All Councillors take OUR money, in expenses, to protect OUR interests. Therefore they are ALL ultimately resposible for letting OUR money be wasted. If they cannot control the massive administration they are not "fit for purpose" neither is the organisation and it should be abolished and something that can be controlled by elected members put in it's place. The experiment that is BMDC has gone on for long enough and already brought a once proud and wealthy area to it's knees, must it be allowed to carry on until it has actually suceeds in killing the city and it's outlying towns?

Did you know Councillors have to pay £3,000 a year tax on their allowances, so they are not getting their expenses for nothing.

I don't understand your arguement. of course tax is paid as it's income no one is thinking councillors get stuff tax free. . I have to pay for my trip to work via road tax, petrol, etc. So I pay taxes juat to earn money to pay tax.

They also have to pay tax on the free parking - Just like in business you have to pay tax on the so called free perks.

Reality001 wrote:

Thee Voice of Reason wrote:

Reality001 wrote:

keighley4keighley wrote: I am surprised that Cllr.Miller has only just discovered this? Is it because he is now in "opposition". What about the "chits" that have allowed councillors and employees to park in Hall Ings multistorey, which I am sure Cllr Miller has used? Perhaps the reasoning is that while nobody was looking at council spending it was OK to waste taxpayers money? If this has been the attitude it is no wonder that Bradford Council are in the mess that they seem to be in. It makes you wonder what other historic "is doesn't matter the money will always be there" waste is lurking within the depths of Bradford. All Councillors take OUR money, in expenses, to protect OUR interests. Therefore they are ALL ultimately resposible for letting OUR money be wasted. If they cannot control the massive administration they are not "fit for purpose" neither is the organisation and it should be abolished and something that can be controlled by elected members put in it's place. The experiment that is BMDC has gone on for long enough and already brought a once proud and wealthy area to it's knees, must it be allowed to carry on until it has actually suceeds in killing the city and it's outlying towns?

Did you know Councillors have to pay £3,000 a year tax on their allowances, so they are not getting their expenses for nothing.

I don't understand your arguement. of course tax is paid as it's income no one is thinking councillors get stuff tax free. . I have to pay for my trip to work via road tax, petrol, etc. So I pay taxes juat to earn money to pay tax.

They also have to pay tax on the free parking - Just like in business you have to pay tax on the so called free perks.

But paying tax on perks, is better than paying for them outright so what point are you making?
.
I'd rather be taxed on recieving mileage at 65p per mile like Bradford council as you will still end up with more than no tax at 45p per more HMRC recommended rate or having to pay for all your travel with no mileage.

cue.ball wrote:
I think the T&A should have offered some journalistic balance with this report.

Question - Are the rented car parks used by council officers who are under contract to use their own car to carry out their council work duties? Answer – Most definitely!

Question - What money is spent on councillor parking expenses? Answer – I bet you anything the average spend on councillor parking expenses is higher than the average spend on rented car parking for council employee’s who have to provide a car for work purposes.

Now that would be an interesting read and show some reporting balance!


Is the amount of money spent on renting car parking space proportionate to the

Councillors are given permits for all council car park's ...but they abuse the privilege all the time .
Some have been caught lending the permits to family members for free parking on days out but they got caught out because they tried to use them on street in the pay and display bays.
Others were caught using permits when they had ceased being councillors over 3 years ago ...A councillors son was using his dads permit in the car park at the back of Omars so he could go for a meal ... the Civil enforcement officers issue tickets to them but you never hear about this in the news because it's swept under the carpet...one councillor was even found to be using a disabled badge belonging to a family member so he could park free in the city centre.

Uninformed information council staff have had a pay freeze announced for the 3rd year running. Essential car users get a small allowance for having a vehicle required to do their job this doesn't cover road tax insurance fuel & repairs. To park in the city centre ( a location in many cases nit choosen but relocated to owing to cutbacks) cost a minimum of £15 a week this is to remain in the office however if you are an essential car user then that means you need to access the people in the community. Therefore you leave your parking space to go visit remember Social Workers may be dealing with crisis or adult protection. They return to office cannot get in car park need to pay to park elsewhere! The answer is not so easy is it ? Social workers have homes of their own to run so when relocated an they need to fork out an extra £60 minimum car parking is not always possible. Think about if you need one of these people to visit & there car is parked miles away and this slowes response time would you be happy ? Inner City Offices are the problem.

Reality001 wrote:

Thee Voice of Reason wrote:

Reality001 wrote:

keighley4keighley wrote: I am surprised that Cllr.Miller has only just discovered this? Is it because he is now in "opposition". What about the "chits" that have allowed councillors and employees to park in Hall Ings multistorey, which I am sure Cllr Miller has used? Perhaps the reasoning is that while nobody was looking at council spending it was OK to waste taxpayers money? If this has been the attitude it is no wonder that Bradford Council are in the mess that they seem to be in. It makes you wonder what other historic "is doesn't matter the money will always be there" waste is lurking within the depths of Bradford. All Councillors take OUR money, in expenses, to protect OUR interests. Therefore they are ALL ultimately resposible for letting OUR money be wasted. If they cannot control the massive administration they are not "fit for purpose" neither is the organisation and it should be abolished and something that can be controlled by elected members put in it's place. The experiment that is BMDC has gone on for long enough and already brought a once proud and wealthy area to it's knees, must it be allowed to carry on until it has actually suceeds in killing the city and it's outlying towns?

Did you know Councillors have to pay £3,000 a year tax on their allowances, so they are not getting their expenses for nothing.

I don't understand your arguement. of course tax is paid as it's income no one is thinking councillors get stuff tax free. . I have to pay for my trip to work via road tax, petrol, etc. So I pay taxes juat to earn money to pay tax.

They also have to pay tax on the free parking - Just like in business you have to pay tax on the so called free perks.

easy life in the public sector, but moan moan moan.

Anna73 wrote:
Uninformed information council staff have had a pay freeze announced for the 3rd year running. Essential car users get a small allowance for having a vehicle required to do their job this doesn't cover road tax insurance fuel & repairs. To park in the city centre ( a location in many cases nit choosen but relocated to owing to cutbacks) cost a minimum of £15 a week this is to remain in the office however if you are an essential car user then that means you need to access the people in the community. Therefore you leave your parking space to go visit remember Social Workers may be dealing with crisis or adult protection. They return to office cannot get in car park need to pay to park elsewhere! The answer is not so easy is it ? Social workers have homes of their own to run so when relocated an they need to fork out an extra £60 minimum car parking is not always possible. Think about if you need one of these people to visit & there car is parked miles away and this slowes response time would you be happy ? Inner City Offices are the problem.

This is not about essential car users...provision has always been made for staff who use a vehicle for their work but what about Thornton road car park ? Council staff park there for free and leave their cars all day.
There is a paid security guard to watch the cars and a rented cabin for him to sit in.
What about all those who used to be essential car users but have changed jobs within the council and no longer need their cars for work but have kept their permits for Jacobs well car park ?