Free hospital car park plan 'doomed'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Hopes that hospitals in England could be banned from charging patients for parking are likely to be dashed.
The previous Labour government began a consultation last year on how to implement a pledge by then health secretary Andy Burnham to scrap charges within three years.
But the Tory-Lib Dem coalition indicated yesterday it was likely to leave the decision in the hands of individual NHS trusts.
An announcement is expected to be made soon but Health minister Simon Burns said: "For a long time, we have been unconvinced that Labour's car-parking idea was properly funded and practical. Andy Burnham himself was forced to retreat from his initial commitment on hospital car parking and even some members of his own party didn't support his proposal."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments