MPs returned to Parliament this week and on the first day back, during Local Government questions, I raised the issue of Section 106 monies spent by Reading Council.

Section 106 is money paid by developers to local councils to mitigate the effects of development and is meant to be spent on improvements in the area taking the development. A recent independent report on the use of section 106 monies at Reading Council concluded, amongst other things, that it was "difficult to categorically state that officers or members in position of power have not abused their position".

That's a very serious statement to make in a report but Labour councillors in Reading are resisting a more detailed investigation, which I would have thought they would welcome in the interests of transparency. After all, we are talking about public money here. Let's see how this issue develops.

A couple of weeks ago I, and Tilehurst Councillor Sandra Vickers, organised a meeting with Reading Council and local Tilehurst traders and community representatives, to discuss the Council and NCP's plans to charge for stays over 30 minutes at the car parks in Recreation Road and Dunstall Close. Currently the first hour is free and local shops and thousands of local residents, who signed a petition, want this first free hour retained.

Half-an-hour is just not long enough, especially for elderly residents, who need time to walk safely and comfortably to local shops whilst allowing some time for the actual shopping itself.

The big concern is that these new proposed parking charges will deter people from using local Tilehurst shops, lead to a loss of trade and the eventual decline of some of our local businesses. Something no one wants to happen.

At the meeting we were all left with the impression that, in response to the local outcry, the Council would bring forward a range of alternative charging proposals and consult locally on these to see which, if any, had the support of local shop owners and local people.

So it was very disappointing for local shop keepers to receive a letter this week telling them that the Council is sticking with its plan to charge after the first 30 minutes. No consultation, no alternative proposals, no listening to local people. If they care at all about helping local businesses and listening to local views, I urge the Labour Council to think again.