SECRETARY of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles has spoken out against councils fining homeowners for renting out their drives.

In Swindon residents using the Parkatmy House website to rent out their unused driveways charge an average of £6.86 a day, earning a supplementary income to their wages.

But last year some councils around the country threatened homeowners with fines of up to £20,000 for renting out their driveways.

Mr Pickles said: “Renting out your driveway through sites like Parkatmy House.com is a great example of grassroots entrepreneurship.

“Town halls shouldn’t be stopping hard-working people from making a bit of extra cash from their homes.”