HOSPITAL CAR PARKING CHARGES AND GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE

That this House notes the Government guidance published in 2014 about hospital car parking charges; further notes the Government recommends in this guidance that hospitals make concessions or free parking available for disabled people, frequent outpatient attenders, visitors with relatives who are gravely ill, or carers of such people, visitors to relatives who have an extended stay in hospital, or carers of such people, carers of people in the above groups where appropriate and staff working shifts that mean public transport cannot be used; notes that this guidance has not been followed by NHS hospitals in England; is aware that almost half of all hospitals still charge blue badge holders to park; notes the research carried out by major charities like CLIC Sargent and Headway which shows that patients with life-threatening and long-term illnesses are hit disproportionately by these charges; understands that this group is one of the most vulnerable in society; notes the incredible burden that these charges present; and urges the Government to abolish car parking charges at NHS hospitals in England.