Issue - meetings

By Councillor Lang - Controlled Parking Zones and Carers

“Council:

1)       recognises the immense contribution of carers across Edinburgh and the particular pressures they have faced this year as a result of the spread of COVID-19.

2)       notes the Council’s Essential User Parking Permit Scheme allows some healthcare professionals to be exempt from day-to-day charges in controlled parking zones, but is not available to carers registered with the Scottish Social Services Council and unregistered home care workers and personal assistants who provide a large proportion of social and personal care at home Edinburgh, often through the Council’s direct payments scheme.

3)       notes that, in addition, no support arrangements are in place for unpaid carers which means these vital and dedicated individuals can incur substantial parking costs when caring for vulnerable loved ones who stay within CPZ areas.

4)       recognises that the much needed expansion of controlled parking across the city means this issue is likely to become greater in the years ahead.

5)       therefore seeks a report to the Transport and Environment Committee within three cycles on

          (a)      widening the Essential User Parking Permit Scheme to cover           paid carers registered with the Scottish Social Services Council           and unregistered home care workers and personal assistants           and

          (b)      exempting those in receipt of carer’s allowance from paying pay           and display parking charges within controlled parking zones           when carrying out their caring responsibilities.”