Mole Valley scrap car parking charges

On Tuesday (March 31), Councillor Stephen Cooksey confirmed the news in a statement published ahead of an official letter being sent to all residents later this week.

In it, he thanked inhabitants of the district for cooperating with the government's restrictions on movement designed to slow the spread of Covid-19 coronavirus.

He also detailed a number of measures to ease the strain on residents during the lockdown.

"We have confirmed that all of Mole Valley District Council’s car parks are now free of charge until further notice, with our parking attendants busy ensuring our main roads and access for key deliveries are kept clear.

"We are heavily supporting businesses. Our business support team, bolstered by other colleagues, is navigating the government’s new initiatives as they are issued.

"Our website is up to date with all the grants and offers that can be applied for. Please see www.molevalley.gov.uk and if you are a business, do check in daily to see what’s new."

While Cooksey stopped short of guaranteeing relief on council tax payments for those struggling to pay, he urged people with this problem to contact the council for their case to be addressed on an individual level:

“Residents have been contacting us about Council Tax payments, benefits and housing dilemmas and we are working at pace.

"We are aware that some people will struggle to pay their Council Tax and if that is you, then please do contact us to discuss this," Cooksey said.

"Income from your Council Tax enables us to pay for vital services that support the vulnerable, these may be your family, friends and neighbours so if you can pay, please continue to do so as the funds for this are much needed," he added.

Meanwhile, waste services run by the council continue to operate in a "near normal" capacity in Mole Valley, unlike other local authorities since the emergency measures against Covid-19 came into force.