As a result of this unprecedented COVID-19 public health crisis many households are seeing their income drop to almost zero very suddenly. This will mean they will be unable to afford prescription charges, and will be particularly acute for those waiting for funds during the mandated 5 week wait for Universal Credit.

The current systems for exemption from prescription charges are too slow and will not be able to keep up with demand. Which why I am joining the shadow Public Health Minster’s calls for all prescription charges to be waived for the duration of the coronavirus crisis.