Care leavers ‘struggle to pay for their medication’

REPORTS of care leavers delaying treatment because they cannot afford NHS prescriptions have prompted town hall chiefs to consider covering the costs.

Councillors in Oldham heard young adults have gone without anti-depressants or chest infection medication.

The council will lobby government for further support for care leavers by ensuring they get free prescriptions until age 25, following a debate.

Coun Amanda Chadderton, cabinet member for children’s services, said she would investigate the costs to see if the council could deliver the exemption from its own budget.

Two members, who sit on the borough’s children in care council and are care leavers, made the case to end the ‘health inequality’.

One said in Oldham there were 86 care leavers who have to pay for prescriptions, which can place added pressure on those working or studying.

The council implemented a 2017 pledge which means care leavers aged up to 20 do not have to pay council tax.

Youngsters who leave care and are receiving benefits can get free prescriptions as part of the national exemption criteria.

Chief executive Carolyn Wilkins will write to health secretary Matt Hancock after the proposal was unanimously backed by all parties.