The burden of hospital parking charges on carers

I am really pleased to have the opportunity to present my Private Members Bill for a second reading in the House of Commons on Friday. I have chosen to support carers by placing a duty on Health Bodies to provide free car parking at hospitals for carers.

Some would say that car parking at hospitals should be free for everyone but I have selected to focus on those who often have reason by virtue of their caring role, to park at hospital for several hours, day after day and week after week.  In the course of my research I have met dozens of carers who shared their experiences with me. Throughout I have been struck by the emotional and financial pressures that are faced by most carers. For many carers car parking charges are a real financial burden. The level of charges varies between Hospital Trusts, but the average cost in England is £39 per week and is much higher in some. Research shows that carers save the NHS over £100 billion each year, therefore surely the very least we can do is to allow them to park at hospital for free. The Bill, will in the first year grant free hospital car parking to carers who qualify for carers’ allowance and in the second year require the development of a plan to give the same exemption for others who take on a significant caring role, where this is acknowledged by medical practitioners.

Many MPs serve for twenty years and more and never get the chance to present their own Bill, so I do feel privileged and I am determined to do my utmost to benefit carers. At the very least my work will shine a spotlight on the tremendous work done by carers and it will send a signal to them that we value their contribution.