A careful look in the small print of the borough’s Public Notices in last week’s Wimbledon Guardian (10th August) showed that the Council is increasing the cost of residents’ car permits.

For one car, the increase is a massive 22%: the current cost of a permit is £45 but this is being increased to £55. The costs of permits for second and other cars, as well as the annual visitors’ permit, have also been increased by £10. This means the annual visitors’ permit will now be £115.

Given that the rate of inflation is roughly 2-3%, how can Merton Council justify increases like these?"