A council has been told its plans to increase the price of residents’ parking permits by up to 40 per cent are “not realistic”.

The proposal for permits in Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street and Durham City would generate an additional £40,000, Durham County Council said.

Plans for the potential changes have been included in the council’s budget for 2026-2027.

But the price hike of between £12 to £24 has been questioned by rival councillors.

Councillor Mark Wilkes, Liberal Democrat member for Framwellgate and Newton Hall, told a council meeting: “Whacking people with a 40 per cent increase in one year is not realistic. If you are going to increase charges, why won’t you just factor them in over a number of years instead?”

The council currently charge for car parking permits for reside

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