Kate Pritchard

Parking in all Lichfield District Council-managed car parks in Lichfield City Centre will be permanently free after 6.30pm every day, starting on Tuesday 25 November 2025.

The change is designed to make it easier and more affordable for people to enjoy Lichfield in the evening, supporting local restaurants, pubs, cultural venues and shops, while encouraging more residents and visitors to stay in the city after dark.
In addition to the new permanent evening offer, The Friary Multi-Storey Car Park will also provide free weekend parking on the four weekends leading up to Christmas, from Saturday 29 November to Sunday 21 December.

This festive initiative will make it easier for shoppers and visitors to enjoy Lichfield’s Christmas markets, events and independent businesses, while spending more time in the city centre during the busy retail season.

Councillor Phil Whitehouse, Cabinet Member for Operational Services, Parks & Waste, said: “We know how important accessible and affordable parking is to our local economy. By permanently removing evening charges and introducing free weekend parking in the lead-up to Christmas, we’re helping more people enjoy everything Lichfield has to offer – from dining and theatre to shopping and community events.

“These initiatives will give a welcome boost to our high streets and make it easier for residents and visitors to support local businesses.”
The changes form part of the council’s wider work to enhance the visitor experience and support a thriving, accessible city centre.

The free evening parking offer applies to all Lichfield District Council car parks in the city centre from 6.30pm to 7.30am. Daytime charges will remain in place before 6.30pm.

Local organisations are being encouraged to apply for funding to support infrastructure projects that improve quality of life across Lichfield District.
The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is available for capital projects that deliver new or improved community assets and support the strategic priorities outlined in the council’s Infrastructure Funding Statement. This year, applications are being invited for projects that address needs in the following areas:
• Healthcare
• Transport
• Sports facilities
• Education
Only projects that meet these strategic priorities will be considered for this round of funding. However, smaller community-based initiatives may still be eligible for Neighbourhood CIL, which is administered by local parish and town councils.
Previous projects funded through CIL include:
• A new 3G football pitch at Chasetown Football Club
• The 3G pitch at Lichfield Leisure Centre, Stychbrook Park
• Improvements to the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) in Alrewas

Councillor Alex Farrell, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing & Local Plan, said: “The Community Infrastructure Levy provides vital funding for capital projects that make a real difference to residents’ lives. We’re encouraging organisations to come forward now with their proposals.”
Organisations wishing to apply are asked to email cil@lichfielddc.gov.uk or call 01543 308192 for guidance and to confirm project eligibility. The application form is available online, and all submissions must be received by 5pm on Friday 12 December.
Applications will be reviewed by a panel from the council’s Strategic Infrastructure Group, with final decisions on funding allocation to be made by the Cabinet in early Spring 2026.

Lichfield District Council is inviting residents, businesses, and community groups to help shape the district’s priorities for the year ahead as part of its 2026–2027 budget consultation.

Running until 22 December 2025, the consultation gives everyone the chance to share views on how the council should allocate funding, protect essential services, and invest in local priorities.

Councillor Rob Strachan, Cabinet Member for Finance and Commissioning at Lichfield District Council, said: “Every year, we make important choices about how to balance our budget while delivering high-quality local services.

“We want residents to understand how council funding works and to tell us what matters most, from keeping streets clean and protecting green spaces, to supporting local businesses and investing in our leisure facilities.
“Your feedback will play a vital role in helping us make decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of our communities.”
Residents can take part in the consultation at Budget 2026-2027 Consultation, where they’ll find a short online survey, with details on how the council spends its funding, and details of how to get involved.

Paper copies will also be available across the district. Feedback will help inform the draft 2026–2027 budget, to be presented to Cabinet and Council early next year.

Lichfield District Council is delighted to confirm that the popular LinkUp on-demand bus service will continue running until March 2026, thanks to ongoing support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Since its launch last December, LinkUp – with its distinctive pink buses – has become a valued travel option for residents in rural areas with limited or no traditional bus services.

The service offers flexible, accessible transport for just £3 per journey, helping people reach shopping centres, workplaces, medical appointments and community hubs across the district.

By keeping residents connected, LinkUp is helping to support independence, reduce social isolation and make everyday journeys easier for those without access to a car or fixed bus routes.

Councillor Janice Silvester-Hall, Cabinet Member for Economy, Ecology and Climate Change, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to extend the Link Up bus service well into next year.

“It has been of real benefit to people living in rural communities across Lichfield District who don’t have access to a car or public transport.
“The LinkUp bus helps us to continue delivering on our commitment to improve transport links and reduce social isolation.”

The extension to March 2026 will allow even more residents to experience the benefits of reliable, responsive transport that adapts to their needs.
For full details on how to book and use the service, visit LinkUp bus service – Your flexible, on-demand bus service for rural villages

More than 130 residents attended Lichfield District Council’s Meet the Leader event at The George Hotel on Thursday evening (16 October) to hear updates on the future of local government in Staffordshire and share their views on what matters most to them.

The event forms part of the council’s continued engagement with residents as it prepares to finalise its response to government on potential council reorganisation across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

Following one of the largest resident surveys of its kind, which drew over 16,700 responses from southern and mid Staffordshire, feedback showed strong public support for keeping decision-making close to communities and ensuring councils remain local, visible and accountable.
Based on this evidence, the council has confirmed its intention to pursue a proposal that would see three smaller community-focused unitary councils created across the county, designed to deliver efficient, responsive services that reflect the distinct character of each area.

Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said:
“Our residents have been clear that they want decisions about their local services made by people who know and represent their communities. The proposal we’re putting forward protects that principle; ensuring local government remains truly local, while creating a structure that’s sustainable and works for everyone.”

Recent national analysis by the District Councils Network found that councils serving populations above 350,000 residents tend to spend more per person and charge higher council tax, with no evidence that larger councils deliver better services or greater efficiency.
By contrast, councils of around 300,000–400,000 residents, the size proposed in Lichfield’s three-unitary model, perform most effectively, offering the best balance of financial resilience, service quality and local accountability.

Survey results reflect this preference, showing that 82% of respondents favoured the creation of three smaller unitary councils across Staffordshire. Among Lichfield residents, that figure rose to 86%, underscoring the community’s desire for a council that understands and represents local needs.
The final proposal will be discussed and approved by Cabinet and Full Council on Tuesday 4 November, ahead of submission to government.

Lichfield District Council has partnered with local technology firm AVolution to launch an innovative six-week Young Entrepreneur Support Programme – giving 16 to 25-year-olds the confidence, knowledge and mentoring to take their first steps into business.

Running from 27 October to 8 December 2025, the programme will support aspiring entrepreneurs through a series of interactive workshops, one-to-one mentoring and micro-grants, helping them turn bright ideas into viable business ventures.
The initiative forms part of the Council’s Our Community Can social value programme, which champions opportunities that help local people gain skills, grow confidence and build better futures.

Applicants can sign up now for the programme which covers all stages of setting up a business – from idea development and business planning, to marketing, digital skills and finance.

Councillor Rob Strachan, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Commissioning said: “Supporting our young people to develop entrepreneurial skills is a vital part of building a resilient, inclusive local economy.
“Through Our Community Can and partnerships like this one with AVolution, we’re helping to create real opportunities – giving young residents the tools and support they need to succeed.”

As part of Lichfield District Council’s approach to embedding social value in procurement, contractors are encouraged to deliver initiatives that leave a lasting legacy for the district beyond project completion. AVolution made a social value commitment following its contract award to upgrade the audio-visual system in the Council Chamber.

The programme offers five weeks of virtual training, followed by a final week of presentations and live business pitches to a panel of AVolution experts.
Participants will be mentored by senior members of the AVolution team, including CEO David Savage, who will share practical insights from across the technology, design and communications sectors.
At the end of the programme, four winners will each receive a £500 micro-grant and six months of dedicated mentoring, helping them refine their business ideas and grow with confidence.

David Savage, CEO of AVolution, added:
“Having founded and operated a number of businesses starting my career at 19, I’ve learned that not every great idea automatically becomes a great business. Through this programme, I want to help young people in Lichfield understand the fundamentals – from finance and technology to risk and supply chains – so they can turn ideas into real opportunities.
“Together with Lichfield District Council, we’re creating a platform that gives local young people the confidence, knowledge and support to shape their own paths to success and contribute to the region’s prosperity.”

This collaboration between AVolution and Lichfield District Council reflects the Council’s commitment to working with local employers who share its values – investing in skills, creating opportunities and supporting the next generation of innovators.
Join the Young Entrepreneur Support Programme now via the dedicated web page.