Parking charges could increase in the New Forest as the council attempts to close its budget gap.

New Forest District Council's cabinet has recommended increasing parking charges from January 1.

The recommendation was rubber-stamped at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, but will go before full council for approval.

If approved, parking for an hour will increase from £1 to £1.50 - the first change to this fare in eight years.

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Cllr Jeremy Heron, portfolio holder for finance and corporate, said: “It is vital that we keep abreast of the financial challenge ahead of us as predicted through our medium-term forecast. 

“The annual review of our fees and charges is one lever we have to ensure that we remain financially sustainable and can continue to provide the vital services that our residents rely on.

“This is especially relevant considering a new government and a lack of clarity at this time on what our funding support might look for next year, and beyond.”

It comes after NFDC announced it would offer free parking in the run up to Christmas.

Some of the areas that would be affected by the proposed new tariffs include Beaulieu village centre, Burley village centre, New Road in Hythe, Rumbridge Street in Totton, Furlong in Ringwood and Southampton Road in Lymington.

Those parking in these locations would see charges increased from £1 to £1.50 for an hour, £3 to £3.10 for two hours and from £8 to £8.30 for parking up to 20 hours.

If the council goes ahead with the increase, the proposed tariffs would be adjusted with effect from January 1, 2025.

This comes as the council is set to discuss its medium term financial plan, setting out council spending over a four-year period.

According to the council, overall forecast deficit totals £628,000 for 2025 to 2026, increasing to a budget gap of £2.44 million by 2029 – and increased parking charges are one way the council is putting forward to plug this gap.

Cllr Geoffrey Blunden, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, added: “Comparing New Forest District Council against comparable and neighbouring authorities proves that our tariffs and the subsidised short and long stay parking clocks continue to offer extremely good value in supporting residents, businesses and the environment across the district.”