Households in England have been forced to pay more than £6 billion in prescriptions charges since the SNP Scottish Government scrapped fees in Scotland, House of Commons Library research has revealed.
The data, commissioned by the SNP, shows that since 2011 – when the SNP Scottish Government abolished prescription charges – households in England have paid more than £6.6 billion in fees, while households in Scotland have paid £0.
The analysis also found that since devolution in 1999, households in England have paid more than £11.7 billion in prescription fees.
It comes just days before the UK government hike prescription and prescription prepayment certificates by 2.59% – culminating in a 75.2% increase since 1999.
Commenting, the SNP’s health spokesperson, Amy Callaghan MP said:
“This latest analysis from the House of Commons Library highlights the important action being taken by a progressive, forward thinking SNP Scottish Government.
“While households in England prepare to face another hike in prescription charges, households in Scotland can be safe in the knowledge that fees will remain abolished.
“This is the simple case of a tale of two government.
“On one hand, you have a UK government who would rather take more money out of people’s pockets during a cost of living crisis, and on the other you have an SNP Scottish Government who would rather put money back into the pockets of struggling households.
“With Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party offering no change on prescription charges, and aligning itself with Tory spending plans, it’s clear that no change is coming at Westminster.
“Whilst Scotland remains tied to this archaic system, it is imperative that we continue to return a strong group of SNP MPs who will stand up for Scotland’s interest and values at every possible opportunity.”
