Written question asked by Bob Spink (Conservative) on Friday, 6 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 October 2006. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 October 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Hospital Parking Fees

Question: (2) how much was raised from parking fees by each health authority in the last year for which figures are available;

Answer: We have no plans to undertake research to evaluate the proportion of net disposable income taken by hospital parking fees for patients on income support. However, those patients who are on income support are eligible for the hospital travel costs scheme which allows them to claim reasonable travel expenses when travelling to hospital. This can include the full reimbursement for car parking fees and petrol expenses where this is the cheapest form of travel which is available to them. The Department does not collect any data centrally on the hospital travel costs scheme.The income from car parking from patients and staff for each national health service trust in 2005-06 has been placed in the Library. These data are as provided by NHS organisations, without amendment, on a voluntary basis and therefore will not be complete. The figures provided represent the income received and not the profit from the provision of car parking as maintenance and running costs such as lighting and security will need to be paid.It is for NHS trusts to decide what level of car parking to provide and what charges to apply at their sites. In doing so they should take account of guidance from the Department which advises them to consider a range of factors, including offering concessions to certain groups, when implementing car parking charges.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 91823; 450 c682-3W;450 c688W
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP 06/1783
Friday, 13 October 2006
Deposited papers
House of Commons; Hospital Parking Fees
Tuesday, 10 October 2006
Written questions
House of Commons; Hospital Parking Fees
Tuesday, 10 October 2006
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Hospitals Parking
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk