Business chiefs have blasted plans to levy company car parking spaces in Nottingham as ‘a tax on jobs'. Research into Nottingham City Council's plans to introduce a workplace parking levy by the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce has revealed that two-thirds of businesses would consider relocating, if the proposals were introduced. The chamber's head of policy and representation, John Dowson, said a total of 93% of local firms were against the plans. ‘This is a tax on jobs,' he said. ‘We have been saying all along that it would destroy the competitiveness of companies throughout the region.' Mr Dowson said many businesses also feared staff would either resign or request transfers to areas not affected by the levy. It would discourage investment and businesses from moving into the area, he claimed. The chamber also thought the levy was unfair because it only taxed firms in a particular part of the city. If introduced, the levy would see large employers in Nottingham pay an initial parking fee of £185 for each of its parking spaces. The scheme is expected to raise up £12m a year to expand Nottingham's tram system. A public examination into the plans is being held next week in Nottingham. The examination will be chaired by Brian Dodd, a consultant inspector with the Planning Inspectorate. The hearing will look at the possible economic effects of the scheme, and alternatives, such as a congestion charge. ‘We wanted to provide the opportunity for an independent, in-depth investigation of the proposals,' said corporate director for environment and regeneration, Harry Horne. ‘I'm very much looking forward to really tackling the nuts and bolts of the topics, having an open and honest debate, and, of course, receiving Mr Dodd's recommendations in November.'
