Northern Care Alliance to cover staff parking costs for 3 months as free NHS parking comes to an end

The Northern Care Alliance – which is in charge of Rochdale Infirmary, Royal Oldham, Fairfield General and Salford Royal hospitals – is to cover the cost of its staff parking for at least three months after the Health Secretary revealed free parking for NHS workers will end on 1 April.

The free parking scheme was announced at the start of the pandemic in March 2020 and has cost around £130 million in the last two years, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.

Figures from NHS Digital show in the financial year 2019/20 - the year before charges were lifted for the pandemic - health workers paid £17.48 million in car parking fees in the north west.

Mr Javid said: “Free parking in hospital car parks for NHS staff was temporarily introduced for the duration of the pandemic and will also come to an end on 31 March. However, over 94% of NHS Trusts that charge for car parking have implemented free parking for those in greatest need, including NHS staff working overnight.

“On behalf of the government, I would like to record my thanks to everyone who has worked tirelessly to keep people safe over the last two years and whose efforts have enabled us to move to the next stage of the Covid-19 response.

Andrew Montgomery, deputy director, estates, facilities and capital development for Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, said: “From 1 April 2022 we will no longer receive the subsidy from central government - introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic - for car parking costs which enabled us to temporarily provide free parking for colleagues.

“We will absorb these costs in the immediate term, whilst research and engagement with colleagues is carried out by our Travel, Access and Parking Task and Finish Group, made up of more than 40 representatives from across the NCA. 

“The trust is currently engaging with colleagues to gather feedback on these important and often challenging issues and will provide regular communications out to colleagues after each meeting on progress made, and any proposed changes.

“They will also give colleagues three months’ notice of any intended changes relating to parking charges, enabling them to make any necessary arrangements.” 

Union representatives such as Rachel Harrison, GMB National Officer, have criticised the Health Secretary for the move.

She said: “It’s almost like the Health Secretary has a personal vendetta against NHS staff. 

“During the worst cost of living crisis in a generation, he’s hell-bent on forcing them to swallow yet another real terms pay cut. 

“Now follows the real insult to injury, he’s making them pay to park at work. 

“Health workers are on their knees following a two-year pandemic – they need help and support, not being repeatedly kicked when they are down by the government.

“GMB calls on the government to restore this funding and on employers to do the right thing and scrap the reintroduction of local parking charges.”