Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Covid-19: Hospital Parking Charges for NHS Staff

01 December 2020 · 2 other contributors · 3,684 words

Opened by Zarah Sultana Your Party Coventry South

Responding minister: Edward Argar

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Zarah Sultana raised concerns about covid-19: hospital parking charges for nhs staff in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • NHS staff have been facing reintroduced parking charges during the pandemic, contrary to government assurances of free parking.
  • Zarah Sultana calls on the government to urgently reverse the situation and bring back free parking for NHS staff across the country.
  • The government announced a 33.9 billion increase in NHS investment, including funding for free parking for NHS staff since spring 2020.

Key requests to Government

The MP calls on the government to reverse the situation urgently and bring back free parking for NHS staff in Coventry and across the country. She also asks for a permanent commitment to free parking, a fair pay rise of 15% to compensate for lost earnings over the past decade, and an end to privatisation in the NHS.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Zarah Sultana Your Party Coventry South

NHS staff have been facing reintroduced parking charges during the pandemic, contrary to government assurances of free parking. Zarah Sultana highlighted that this is not only a breach of promise but also an unfair burden on NHS workers already overworked and underpaid due to a decade of NHS underfunding and privatisation. She cited cases where charges have increased by 200% at some trusts, making it unaffordable for many workers to travel safely by car. Additionally, she mentioned the mental health issues faced by NHS staff during the pandemic, including PTSD and burnout.

Other contributors (2)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    During the first wave of coronavirus, trusts and health boards in Northern Ireland suspended hospital parking charges but reinstated them after the wave passed. Now considering suspending them again due to the second wave.

  • Kim Johnson Lab Liverpool Riverside

    NHS staff are working hard during the pandemic, facing health risks and mental strain, requiring better support than just clapping; calls for reintroduction of free parking with charges increasing by 200%.

Government Response

Edward Argar

It has been a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship. The Government congratulates the hon. Member for Coventry South on securing this important debate, expressing gratitude to NHS workers and care staff for their efforts during the pandemic. A £33.9 billion increase in investment in the NHS was announced by the government as part of the manifesto commitment to fund free parking for NHS staff since spring 2020. Trusts have control over their parking policies but should follow the Government's clear statement to provide free parking. Over £200 million has been set aside for capital funding to increase hospital car parking capacity and trusts are invited to bid for this funding. The commitment will mandate NHS England and NHS Improvement on trusts from January 1, 2021, ensuring disabled blue badge holders, frequent outpatient attendees, parents of children staying overnight, as well as night shift NHS staff, will have free parking at hospitals.

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