Introduction:
We, the undersigned, call on the Liverpool City Council and the Mayor to reconsider the drastic increase in business parking permit fees for the Baltic Triangle, which have risen this year from £50 to an unprecedented £750 per year per vehicle. This increase threatens the survival of small businesses that are the backbone of this vibrant and creative community.

Problem:
The Baltic Triangle is home to countless small businesses and organisations that contribute to Liverpool's economy, culture, and community. For many, having affordable parking is not a luxury but an essential requirement, in particular for businesses that rely on outreach protocols to their clients.

Our business—a small neuropsychological therapy service—is one of many affected. We provide critical support to clients with brain injuries and neurological conditions, requiring staff to commute to homes and care facilities for outreach sessions. Accessible and affordable parking near our office is crucial for us to sustain our operations and serve our vulnerable clients.

The increase from £50 to £750 per year per vehicle represents a staggering 1,400% rise, which is financially devastating for small businesses already grappling with rising costs post-pandemic. It risks driving out the very enterprises that make the Baltic Triangle a thriving hub of innovation and care.

Impact:
This unjust fee hike will:

• Place unbearable financial strain on small businesses.
• Limit essential services, such as ours, that depend on parking to support vulnerable individuals.
• Undermine the creativity and vibrancy of the Baltic Triangle, harming the local economy and community.
• Highly likely affect the people we serve, out customers and the wellbeing of the entire community, in particular if business cannot fulfil their role and eventually fail to survive.

Our Request:
We urge the Liverpool City Council and the Mayor to:

• Reconsider the scale of this increase and implement a fairer, more gradual adjustment over the years.
• Introduce exemptions or discounts for small businesses and essential services who can prove the need for fair parking.
• Engage with affected businesses to co-create a solution that works for all stakeholders.

Call to Action:
Your support can make a difference! By signing this petition, you join us in standing up for small businesses, essential services, and the community of the Baltic Triangle. Together, we can urge decision-makers to take action and create a fairer parking policy.

Please sign and share this petition to protect the future of small and medium sized businesses in Liverpool.

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