Oral Answers to Questions

Robert Halfon Excerpts

Wednesday 5th December 2018 Commons Chamber

[Nigel Adams]

The hon. Lady will be aware that I cannot comment on an individual case. I am sure that if she raises her constituent’s case with the Department, she will get a response. As I said earlier, this system is a huge transformational project, and we must learn as we go along. It is designed to mirror the way in which people in work are paid. There are advances available for anybody who is waiting for their universal credit payment.

[Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con)]

4. Whether he has had discussions with the Welsh Government on its abolition of hospital car parking charges.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Nigel Adams)]

I have not discussed this matter with the Welsh Government. Decisions on charges are entirely for the Welsh Government to make, as this is a devolved responsibility.

[Robert Halfon]

The brain injury charity Headway has supported families who have incurred hospital car parking charges of as much as £248 in just seven days. Given that all hospitals in Wales have now abolished hospital car parking charges, will my hon. Friend make representations to the Health Secretary on abolishing them in England too?

[Nigel Adams]

It is clear—everybody in the House will know—that there is no stronger champion of such causes than my right hon. Friend. We allow individual hospitals to take their own decisions in England, assisted by clear guidance. There are potential additional costs of a blanket removal of charging, which could be significant, but we keep our ears open.