Reject workplace parking levy, says teaching union

Teaching union, the EIS, has urged prospective councillors to reject moves to introduce a workplace parking levy, as part of its local government election manifesto.

It said the so-called carpark tax would “simply compound the financial challenges facing teachers”.

The power to introduce a levy on parking spaces at workplaces was handed to councils by Holyrood last week.

But it was opposed by the Conservatives and Labour over concerns it would result in the costs being passed on to workers.

Douglas Ross previously said no Conservative-led council would look to introduce it.

The union’s manifesto, launched at a national council meeting on Friday, also called for a “significant increase in teacher numbers”.

An end to zero-hours supply teacher lists and a reduction in class sizes to 20 pupils is also requested.

General secretary Larry Flanagan said: “The EIS manifesto calls for increased investment and enhanced support for schools, teachers and students to support the vital process of education recovery following the Covid pandemic.

“The EIS is challenging all political parties and all election candidates to make clear commitments to providing improved support for Scottish education.”

Other key asks include better mental health support for teachers, action to reduce teacher workload – including hiring admin and technical staff to alleviate pressures – and the “proper resources” of additional support need commitments.

Elections for all 32 of Scotland’s local authorities take place on 5 May, which will see 1,219 councillors elected.

The results will be declared over two days, on 6 and 7 May.