Quarter of NHS England trusts raised parking fees in cost of living crisis, data shows

Mark-ups criticised by patients’ charity for punishing those with ill health, while NHS defends fees amid financial pressures

Hospital car parking fees were increased for a quarter of NHS trusts in England amid the cost of living crisis, new data has revealed.

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show parking charges rose for at least 37 trusts – 25% of England’s total – between April 2022 and March 2024. Requests were filed to the 147 NHS trusts in England by PA Media, but 25 did not reply, meaning the number that raised parking fees could be higher.