Hospital parking fees totalled more than £15m last year for NHS workers across the Midlands, according to new figures. University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust collected £3.8m across its Coventry and Rugby sites.

Figures from the 2025/26 Estates Return Information Collection (ERIC) show healthcare staff across the Midlands paid £15.6m for parking. University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, which operates UHCW and Hospital of St Cross in Rugby, topped the regional list with £3.8m.

Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust followed with £2.8m, while Leicester University Hospital brought in £1.8m. GMB branded the fees ‘utterly obscene’ and called for them to be scrapped.

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Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, said: “It is utterly obscene we are still having this debate in 2026. On what planet is it a good idea to charge health workers just for going to work?

“Despite finally getting a pay rise under Labour, NHS workers are underpaid and massively overstretched. Staff need our help and support, not having pounds pinched out of their pocket just for trying to do their job.”

A spokesman for University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust said: “A large proportion of our car parks form part of a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract, and, as a result, we generate minimal car park revenue directly from staff, patients or visitors.

“Many of our staff can reduce the cost of their parking permit through a salary sacrifice scheme. We also give those on the lowest pay band who are not eligible for salary sacrifice an automatic 25 per cent discount.

“Money generated goes towards essential running costs of the car parks and the surrounding areas, including maintenance, security, lighting, improvements and increased capacity.”

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