ParkingPlus Scheme
Frequently Asked Questions
- Has the University consulted the trade unions about ParkingPlus?
- What will the University do with the money it is saving?
- Is ParkingPlus a ‘salary sacrifice’ scheme?
- How long will ParkingPlus last?
- Are part-time employees eligible to join the scheme?
- I have a casual contract with the University and currently pay for my permit directly at the Parking Office, can I participate in the scheme?
- I am a low paid employee and do not pay PAYE, will I benefit from the scheme?
- What happens if I go on maternity leave or long term sickness?
- Will my Terms & Conditions of Employment change?
1. Has the University consulted the trade unions about ParkingPlus?
Yes, the introduction of the scheme was overseen by a Project Board, which included
representation from the unions. Additionally the University unions invited
the Project Board to participate in a meeting for union members.
2. What will the University do with the money it is saving?
It is estimated the University will benefit by £80k per annum as a result of the revised car park charges and introduction of ParkingPlus.This saving will be credited to the car park account and will allow the University to continue to improve its car parks and to promote green transport issues including the continuing purchase of cycle shelters, locks for pedal cycles and signing of cycle paths and other similar initiatives.
3. Is ParkingPlus a ‘salary sacrifice’ scheme?
Yes, ParkingPlus is a salary sacrifice scheme (also known as a salary exchange scheme) which means that an employee agrees to ‘give’ an amount of money to the University before tax and national insurance contributions are calculated; in exchange the University gives the employee a parking permit.
4. How long will ParkingPlus last?
The University plans to operate ParkingPlus indefinitely. However, if legislation changes or if it is no longer viable for the University, we reserve the right to withdraw ParkingPlus after the appropriate consultation period.
5. Are part-time employees eligible to join the scheme?
Yes, all University employees who wish to obtain a parking permit are eligible to join the scheme. The University operates a number of pricing bands based on full-time salary and contractual hours.
6. I have a casual contract with the University and currently pay for my permit
directly at the Parking Office, can I participate in the scheme?
No, workers who have no contractual hours or are on a casual contract with
the University should continue to pay for their parking permit at the
Parking Office.
Undergraduate students at the University (aside from those with exceptional
circumstances) are not eligible to apply for a parking permit,
even if they are also a casual
worker.
7. I am a low paid employee and do not pay PAYE, will I benefit from the scheme?
No, if your earnings at the University do not exceed your personal tax allowance, you will not benefit from the introduction of the scheme. The University has therefore determined a ‘pay protection limit’ of £7,500 and any employee earning below this sum will be exempted from car park charges and will not participate in this scheme. Should your earnings at the University subsequently exceed the ‘pay protection limit’, you will be automatically enrolled into the scheme from the start of the next car park permit year and your charge will be determined by the car park rates for that year.
8. What happens if I go on maternity leave or long term sickness?
If you wish to continue to have a car park permit then you will remain in the scheme until such time that your salary reaches the ‘pay protection limit’, at which point you will be contacted directly and advised of your options.
9. Will my Terms & Conditions of Employment change?
Yes, as you are participating in a salary exchange scheme, your Terms & Conditions of Employment will change.