Fees going up as Dartmoor balances its books

Drivers heading to Dartmoor will have to pay slightly more to park their vehicles as the moor’s guardians raise charges to make ends meet.

The Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) meets on Friday, when members are expected to agree on changes to fees and charges to help balance its budget.

The authority manages the 368 square miles of Dartmoor, spending around £10 million a year. The largest proportion of funding comes from the government through the National Park Grant Scheme, but the authority must raise the rest independently.

A report for the meeting emphasises: “The charges applied may be the difference between providing a service and having to withdraw it altogether.”

A question mark already hangs over the future of the DNPA’s visitor centre at Princetown, which has been granted a temporary reprieve.

After years of uncertainty due to lack of funds, the park authority decided last year that the centre would have to close. However, members agreed to delay the closure until October after hearing pleas from businesses and parish councillors, who argued it is essential for attracting visitors to the area.

Approximately £50,000 from the DNPA’s reserves will be used to keep the centre open, but members were warned that demands on reserves are high as the authority faces a deficit of more than £500,000 this year.

The government’s changes to employers’ National Insurance contributions are expected to cost an additional £90,000 in the coming year, with no indication of support from Westminster.

Car park charges are likely to rise by five per cent this year.

This would increase the cost for a full day at Haytor, Princetown, Postbridge, Meldon, or Lydford from £5.30 to £5.60. Blue Badge holders would see their fee rise from £3.20 to £3.40.

The DNPA also plans substantial increases in the fees for processing planning applications. Currently one of the cheapest among Devon’s local authorities, the proposed increases aim to bring it more in line with its neighbours.