THINGS will change on car parking across Cheshire West, Cabinet member Mark Henesy told councillors discussing possible plans to introduce parking charges.

Cllr Henesy was speaking at discussions on how Cheshire West and Chester Council plans to save £57 million over the next four years.

One of the proposals to help tackle the funding gap is the possibility of charging for parking, an idea which sparked opposition from people who responded to the Let’s Talk consultation.

Cllr Henesy spoke about the issue at Wednesday’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which made recommendations to Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.

Final proposals will be considered at the annual budget setting meeting on February 25.

Cllr Charles Fifield said the possibility that parking charges could be introduced had caused a great deal of concern in Northwich and Winsford.

Council leader Samantha Dixon said: “We are aware of the sensitivities in certain parts of the borough around the issue of car parking and possible car parking charges.

“The reassurance we would give to communities is that any decisions that would be taken would be subject to further consultations.”

Cllr Henesy said a car parking strategy would be developed through a consultancy.

“Once we have that consultation completed we will go back out and see what the public reckon to it,” he said.

“I can imagine it right now that they will reject it in every respect – but I’m afraid things will change on car parking across the borough.

“How, and the detail behind it, will come in the future and will be consulted upon at that time.

“At this moment in time nothing is ruled out and nothing is ruled in.”

Cllr Dixon said savings earmarked for 2016-17 in respect of parking were related to smarter ticketing at existing car parks.

Cllr Stuart Parker’s recommendation to retain the member budgets scheme at its current level was defeated on the vote of committee chairman Cllr Martin Baker, who voted against because of budget restraints.

In 2011 the council approved a proposal to allow each councillor a total of £10,000 each year to be distributed to worthy local projects.

Member budgets were introduced to improve the ability of councillors to improve the quality of life and well-being of their communities.

“The member budgets have been used to enhance facilities for every one of the local communities we serve,” said Cllr Parker.

“Isn’t that what we are there for as an authority?”

Cllr Dixon said: “We recognise that member budgets are valued, and we have pledged to retain them.

“Our budget proposal is to reduce the level back to the original figure of £5,000 per councillor budget because we have to recognise the really significant budget pressures we are under.”