Learning disability charity welcomes Devon County Council consultation on yellow-line parking
By allowing staff to park nearer to their place of work, they would be able to spend more time with the people we support and, ultimately, offer more meaningful support hours, says Billy Davis, Public Affairs and Policy Manager at Hft.
Hft, a national charity that supports adults with learning disabilities, has submitted evidence to a Devon County Council consultation, which would see care workers being able to park for free on double-yellow lines while they are at work.
The charity, which supports around 80 individuals and employs over 90 staff in the Devon area, says that the Council’s proposals will have a positive effect on the way their staff are able to provide support.
Billy Davis, Public Affairs and Policy Manager at Hft said: “Many of our services are in areas surrounded by double-yellow lines. This means staff and families often need to park far away from where the people we support live, adding more time to their journey. By allowing staff to park nearer to their place of work, they would be able to spend more time with the people we support and, ultimately, offer more meaningful support hours.
“This consultation also comes at a time where the sector is facing growing financial pressures. Our latest Sector Pulse Check report has shown that 59% of providers saying they have had to hand back at least one contract to local authorities as a way of easing the strain. Any financial relief, such as the elimination of parking permits, is a step in the right direction.”
