The Peak District National Park Authority is preparing for reduced government funding by gauging staff interest in voluntary redundancy and shorter working hours. The authority receives £6.67 million annually from Defra, with the current three-year funding arrangement ending this financial year.
The organisation employs roughly 280 people, including rangers, ecologists, and archaeologists. Over the last decade, government support has fallen by half in real terms while operational costs have risen. Pressures include wildfire management, visitor safety, and parking enforcement.
Plans are under review to increase revenue, including proposals for visitor charges. No staffing decisions will be made until future government funding is confirmed.
Defra has committed an additional £15 million to national parks alongside up to £400 million annually for nature restoration. The department is collaborating with authorities to secure additional funding and promote innovative operational models.
The authority is undergoing a broader organisational restructure to align costs with anticipated budgets.
