GMB Union criticizes high hospital parking charges in Lancashire

The GMB Union criticized NHS Trusts across Lancashire for charging staff to park at work, stating that staff in the North West paid a combined £18.9 million to park last year. Specific trusts reported high figures, including Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust staff paying £826,028 and Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust staff paying £604,071 in the 2025/26 financial year. These trusts defended the charges, stating they are essential to cover the running costs and maintenance of their facilities.

The criticism targets the operational funding models of NHS trusts, which rely on parking revenue to support facility upkeep. The high fees represent a significant financial burden on employees and visitors, while the trusts argue the revenue is necessary to maintain their infrastructure.