There are 'no plans' to raise car parking charges in the borough despite a bid by other authorities to do so, Bolton Council said.

The AA warned of an increase in these charges of as much as 10 per cent across England and Wales as soon as April this year.

In Bolton, however, the budget up for approval by the council next month is clear there are no plans to raise car parking charges, although there is a reference of a review of the service.

This is in spite of a need for the town hall to increase council tax, to make more than £4 million in cuts and to tap into reserves to the tune of £10 million this year to balance the books.

READ MORE: Bolton's council tax could rise more than four per cent.

A spokesperson confirmed the news and described the review of the service as 'a resource, process and systems' review only.

They said: "The council presently has no plans to increase car parking charges. The review is a resource, process and systems review to ensure the service is operating at it most efficient."

The news is a relief to residents, and to the businesses these residents support in the town centre.

Warning other authorities of the impact of an increase in charges, the AA's Jack Cousens said: "Residents could soon 'vote with their wheels' and decide it's easier, maybe even cheaper, to avoid the town centre altogether and shop online. Maybe worse for those councils with rising charges, they may choose to drive to the neighbouring city or town and spend their hard-earned money there."

READ MORE: Plans for road restrictions at Markland Hill Primary School.

But a spokesperson for the Local Government Association, which represents more than 350 authorities across England and Wales, said an increase in charges is one of several 'significant challenges' and 'difficult decisions' involved in setting a budget.

They said: "The cost of providing public services has dramatically increased with rapidly rising inflation. Many councils face significant challenges and difficult decisions when setting their budgets and trying to protect services from cutbacks next year."