Powys County Council has decided to reconsider the findings from a review looking into increasing car parking charges.

Cabinet members have agreed that they need to take some time to reflect on the scrutiny committees’ comments and reconsider the recommendations before taking any further action.

Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, said it was "obvious" that the council needed to relook at the recommendations "to make sure we are doing the right thing".

The council’s next step is to hold a focus group which will look into a way that people can park safely and sustainably across Powys within council budgets.

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Cllr Charlton said: “We appreciate that car parking arrangements in the county is a very emotive subject for our residents and businesses.

“It is important for us to consider all options and take on board the feedback from the review group, the scrutiny committee, our residents, businesses and visitors. 

"We are committed to finding a common ground that is acceptable to our communities, but is also a feasible, sustainable and affordable option for the council to deliver within our tight budget constraints.

"It is obvious that we need to go back a few steps and relook at the recommendations to make sure we are doing the right thing.” 

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Cllr Graham Breeze said: We need to revive our town centres - not kill them off.Cllr Graham Breeze said: We need to revive our town centres - not kill them off. Graham Breeze, county councillor for Welshpool Llanerchydol, welcomed the council's announcement that it would take another look at the car parking review findings.

"Some areas, including Welshpool, would suffer greatly under the recommendations in the original documents," he said. "There has to be equity across the whole county.

"The people of the Welshpool area were being badly let down by the original pricing proposals.

"We need to revive our town centres - not kill them off.

"Having withdrawn a proposal to restore reduced prices for one-hour parking in all car parks across the county to allow a review to take place I was annoyed to see the consultation take nearly 12 months to come back before council and by its content."

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The politically balanced cross-party review group of local councillors also included representatives from town councils and local businesses where car parks are sited, and was led by an independent, impartial consultant.

As well as car parking tariffs, the review group considered ways to manage all the council’s car parks, town centre footfall, the impacts and benefits of local active travel schemes, available resources, the needs of the local communities and the council’s Sustainable Transport Hierarchy. 

Powys County Council said work will continue over time to address all these aspects with a vision to "create sustainable car parks fit for the future of Powys".