‘Increase in prescription charges will be harmful to millions’

Council votes to lobby MPS over the rise in fees for the over 60s

A COUNCIL is to write to local Members of Parliament to lobby the Government not to increase prescription charges for the over 60s.

At last week’s full meeting of Staffordshire Moorlands, a motion was put forward by Councillor Linda Malyon outlining the consequences of introducing the charges.

The motion said: “With regard to the suggested increase in prescription charges and introduction of charges for the over 60s, I would like to ask this council to write to our MPS and ask them to lobby the Government so that this will not happen.

“It will affect many of our residents in the Staffordshire Moorlands and across the country and may even deter people from having the medication that they need.”

Speaking at the meeting, seeking support for the motion, Councillor Malyon said: “The proposed increase would be very harmful to millions of people.

“It could put their health at risk.

“Each year, prescriptions have increased in line with inflation, which are now a staggering £9.15 to £9.35, which could rise to £10.15 by 2025. Yes, you can buy a prepayment certificate at £108.10 a year which might also rise. “People who are struggling now will be even more so, as we see the cost of gas, electric, along with the cost of living all going up at alarming rates.

“People on low incomes will not go to the doctor for fear of what it will cost, so they will do without. This will then have a knock-on effect on the NHS as people end up in hospital or worse.

“We need to ask our MPS to lobby the Government to stop this from happening, it is a very serious issue with serious consequences.

“People have paid in all their lives to be now told you will have to pay for prescriptions, as well as waiting for their pension, it is disgusting that this has been put forward.

“I hope everyone can support this notice of motion.”

Councillors voted unanimously to support the motion put forward.

People on low incomes will not go to the doctor for fear of what it will cost, so they will do without Cllr Malyon