Council staff could be charged to park at work, with controversial proposals put on hold last year due to be resurrected next week.

The plans to abolish free parking for Norfolk County Council workers would see a daily charge introduced, with those on the highest salaries charged the most, and a discount for the lowest paid.

Last December, a previous version of the policy was put on ice following the intervention of Wendy Thomson, the council's managing director. But the proposals are back on the table and have been strongly opposed by trade union UNISON.

Jonathan Dunning, branch secretary, has urged council leader George Nobbs to disassociate his Labour group from it.

In an email to Mr Nobbs, Mr Dunning wrote: 'Redundancies have seen staff take on additional work to keep the council running. Stress is on the increase. Now is the time to appreciate the work staff do not impose a charge at a time when there income is already under pressure. Car park charging will to many of our members fill like a poke in the eye.'

The report, which will be considered by the policy and resources committee on Tuesday, says parking charges are needed because plans to move workers in satellite offices to County Hall would heap more pressure on existing spaces.

Mr Nobbs said: 'You cannot fit a pint in a half pint glass. We have been very anxious to be as fair and progressive as possible, as indicated by the charging system.'

Under the current plans, councillors would retain their right to free parking, but the policy could be extended to them in the future.

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