Resorts' parking revenue down despite busy summer

Income from parking charges has been lower than expected, despite strong visitor numbers during the hot summer, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council figures show.

The council said visitors appear to have had spent less time and money in the resorts, with parking income 7% lower than predicted.

A recently published report showed that the council was forecasting a £27m overspend by the end of the financial year, primarily attributed to rising costs for care services.

The authority's cabinet member for finance, Mike Cox, said good weather and high visitor numbers "does not automatically translate into higher income".

Council figures showed there was a £4.4m shortfall in commercial operations income, particularly within parking services at £3.2m and the seafront at £1.1m.

The seafront experienced reduced customer spending across catering, beach huts, arcades, and other attractions despite strong visitor numbers, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The report said parking income fell by about 7% against the budget, compounded by delayed savings initiatives, higher business rates, maintenance, and staffing costs.

It comes despite the summer heatwaves bring large numbers of visitors to the coast.

Cox said: "There are a range of wider factors affecting income, including cost-of-living pressures, which mean people may still visit our coastline but spend less, stay for shorter periods, or make different travel choices.

"We will continue to review income and expenditure carefully as the year progresses, including once the full summer season has been assessed, as the overall position is more complex than simply looking at how busy the seafront has appeared during periods of hot weather, while maintaining safe, clean, and well-managed amenities for residents and visitors."

The report shows that at quarter one, children's services is forecasting an £11.8 million overspend while wellbeing services is estimated to overspend by £8.3 million.

The operations directorate is forecasting a £6.8 million overspend at quarter one.

The £27m projected overspend is due to be discussed at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.