SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has highlighted the latest report from the Trussell Trust which shows how vital the SNP-introduced policy of free prescriptions is to the people of Scotland.
 
The recent Trussell Trust report on people receiving Universal Credit is a damning assessment of the damage cruel DWP policies are having on people across the UK, including those in work. Ahead of the general election, there were widespread calls for the new UK Government to introduce an essentials guarantee for universal credit claimants. According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the current universal credit rate for people over 25 leaves a shortfall of £120 a month for people to be able to afford essentials.

The Trussell Trust’s report found that 68% of working households receiving universal credit have gone without essentials such as prescription medication (in comparison to 79% of those receiving universal credit while not in work).
 
Thanks to the SNP, this does not apply in Scotland. Everyone, regardless of income status, has free access to prescriptions – ensuring that no matter who you are you can get the vital medication you need. In Scotland, the average individual receives 19 free prescriptions per year, saving local people here in the Western Isles £183.35 per person on average. 
 
Commenting, Alasdair Allan MSP said:
 
“Free prescriptions are a vital part of the social contract the SNP has with people across the Western Isles and Scotland as a whole – no matter what your income status, is it is essential that you have access to medical treatment.
 
“This Trussell Trust report indicates exactly how vital a policy this is, as over two thirds of working households in the UK receiving universal credit are still having to go without essential items such as toiletries and prescriptions.
 
“The Tories left behind a legacy of cruel social security decisions and it is deeply disappointing that the Labour UK Government seems to be continuing with austerity measures instead of supporting those in need. Everyone deserves to be able to access essential services, no matter their financial situation, and it is deeply worrying that so many people elsewhere in the UK are having to choose to go without the medicine they need due to cost concerns.”
 
See article: Half of universal credit claimants ran out of food in the last month - Big Issue

 

 

Twitter latest

Newsletter

Subscribe to Alasdair's mailing list

By ticking this box you confirm you would like to receive updates from Alasdair Allan MSP by

You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at alasdair.allan.msp@parliament.scot. We will treat your information with respect. For more information about our privacy practices please visit our website. By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

We use MailChimp as our marketing automation platform. By clicking below to submit this form, you acknowledge that the information you provide will be transferred to MailChimp for processing in accordance with their Privacy Policy and Terms.