A CHARITY which supports 12,500 unpaid carers has criticised Shipley MP Philip Davies for his part in the failure of a Bill aimed at providing free hospital parking for carers.

Mr Davies has been widely criticised for his 90 minute speech against the Hospital Parking Charges (Exemption for Carers) Bill proposed by Burnley Labour MP Julie MP.

Heard last Friday, its progress was halted as the House of Commons debate ran out of time.

Chris Whiley, director of Shipley-based Carers’ Resource which supports thousands of carers, including those living in the Shipley constituency, said: "It is a huge blow that this bill has now been blocked, and by the MP whose constituency includes our Shipley office.

"We are seeking a meeting with Mr Davies to urge him to share his ideas on how carers can be better supported in their difficult role."

"As an organisation which prides itself on 20 years’ dedication to carers, and making sure they are offered all the support and help they need to carry out their sometimes relentless role, we are disappointed the free hospital parking bill has been blocked.

"Daily we hear from carers about the challenges they face when looking after a loved one who is dependent on them, and the availability of hospital parking and the costs involved, are a big issue for many.

"We also act as a voice for carers and believe that any legislation to improve carers’ lives, and lessen the load for them in any way, should be welcomed and applauded," Mrs Whiley said.

Conservative MP Mr Davies said he was surprise at the criticism of his stance by Carers' Resource.

"This Bill was a con which would have made all carers think they were getting free hospital car parking - but would have left five out of six cheated," he said.

"I am surprised that Carers Resource was so supportive of a Bill that was so ill-thought through, which would have excluded five out of every six carers from receiving free hospital car parking and would have been virtually impossible for hospitals to administer.

"There is no law that forces carers to pay for hospital car parking and all hospitals can offer free parking for carers if they so choose – and some already do.

"Perhaps Carers Resource ought to encourage people to lobby their local hospital if they feel so strongly about it?

"I made clear in my speech the vital work that carers do and the Bills that I would support which would make a real difference to carers.

"There are far better ways to help all carers – which is something I am very keen to do – and I am very happy to meet up with Carers Resource and any carers in my constituency to see how that might be achieved."

* A demonstration in support of carers’ rights and in protest at Mr Davies’ role in the failed Bill has been planned to take place outside his Shipley constituency office this Saturday between 1pm and 3pm. For details contact organiser Aisha Ali-Khan on 0771 8990706.