Residents in Birmingham are set to face new parking fees at three of the city's most popular green spaces in 2026, following a contentious decision by the local authority. The Labour-run Birmingham City Council, grappling with a severe financial crisis, has pushed through the plans for Sutton Park, Lickey Hills Country Park, and Sheldon Country Park despite significant public opposition.
Council Defends Decision Amid Public Backlash
The council launched a formal public consultation on the proposals in August 2025, acknowledging the move was "often controversial and unpopular." It argued that the principle of charging was agreed as part of the 2025/26 budget to achieve necessary savings and help sustain the city's 660 parks. A council statement read: "Introducing charges at [these parks] will bring Birmingham in line with similar places around the UK to offset the cost of maintaining this destination site."
Officials insisted that access to the parks remains free and that charges only apply to vehicles, aiming to manage issues like displacement parking for nearby residents. Income raised will be reinvested into park maintenance and improvements. The consultation revealed strong opposition, with 78.4% of respondents (919 people) wanting free access to Lickey Hills, 68.2% (2,741 people) for Sutton Park, and 65.9% (120 people) for Sheldon Country Park.
Political Opposition and Election Pledges
The charges have become a major political flashpoint ahead of the all-out city council election in May 2026. The local Conservative opposition has pledged to scrap the fees if they gain power. Councillor Robert Alden, leader of the opposition, labelled the charges "unfair, unjustified and completely out of touch," arguing they disproportionately affect less well-off residents who must drive to reach the parks.
The Birmingham Liberal Democrats have also fought the plans, with Councillor Colin Green stating, "The harm that will be done is beyond bearing for the residents." Reform UK's local branch emphasised creating a community with "fair, open, and genuinely inclusive" access to public spaces, opposing financial barriers.
Proposed Charges and Implementation
The council has revised the proposed charges downwards following feedback. The planned fees are as follows:
For Sutton Park and Lickey Hills Country Park:
- £1 per hour for up to 4 hours.
- £5.00 for an all-day ticket.
- An annual permit costing £52.
For Sheldon Country Park:
- £0.75 per hour for up to 3 hours.
- £3.50 for an all-day ticket.
- An annual permit costing £52.
Charges will apply from 9am to 6pm, 365 days a year, with a 30-minute grace period and free permits for park volunteers. The council indicated the scheme for Lickey Hills could be implemented around the Christmas/New Year period, subject to final approvals.
Cabinet member for environment, Councillor Majid Mahmood, reiterated that surplus revenue would fund biodiversity projects, infrastructure repairs, and improvements to the visitor experience. However, the council admitted that even with the new income, financial support from its general fund will still be required to maintain the parks.
