Staged car park closure proposed in council budget

The staged closure of Hatfield Car Park and a new lease for Slough Town Football Club are among the proposals for the council’s budget for the 2024/25 financial year, writes David Lee.

The Conservative-led council is set to meet on February 26 to discuss its savings plans and decide how much residents will be charged in council tax.

Slough Borough Council has been warned by the Government that it should hike council tax by 9.99 per cent although the Conservative administration pledged council tax bills would only rise by 4.99 per cent before sweeping to power in the May local elections.

The council anticipates it could save £54,000 in 2024/25 by starting the staged closure of Hatfield Car Park in the town centre.

Talks have been ongoing with Slough Town Football Club for a new lease of up to 25 years at the councilowned Arbour Park stadium.

Council leader Dexter Smith told the Express in December that this could provide the National League South side with more security to apply for Lottery funding and Sports England grants.

If the new lease is agreed, Slough Town will be responsible for maintenance costs at the ground, Cllr Smith added.

He said: “We don’t to lose this facility, we don’t want to deprive Slough citizens of the enjoyment and inspirational element that having a successful football club brings to a town.

“By doing this, we secure that facility, we secure the future for the football club and we deliver on savings.”

The council is planning further investment into temporary accommodation for the homeless in the borough and adult social care services.

Residents have until Thursday, February 15 to tell the public where they think the council’s money should be spent over the forthcoming financial year.

Cllr Smith added: “It is vitally important residents can have confidence public money is being spent efficiently, and being invested in the areas which matter to them.

“I strongly encourage residents to engage in this process by telling us what is important to them and their families.”

Residents can have their say by emailing BudgetConsultation@slough.gov.uk.

Councillors will vote on whether to approve the 2024/25 budget at a council meeting on March 7.