Government forcing a “Cost of Living with COVID Crisis” on those that care

The Liberal Democrats have warned that the government's decision to scrap free COVID tests and the £500 self-isolation support package will push the cost of COVID onto Bedford Borough residents who are already experiencing a cost of living crisis. As many as 16,039 residents in Bedford Borough are now facing costs of over £500 a year to take regular tests and visit vulnerable relatives.

Despite the easing of COVID restrictions, the latest figures show that every week an estimated 16,039 people in Bedford Borough take regular COVID tests, with 28,411 tests being taken in an average week. This includes people who take tests to protect their elderly relatives and friends, or vulnerable workers who work in people-facing industries such as hospitality and are concerned about their health.

The Prime Minister has failed to answer questions as to whether any free testing plans would be kept in place for essential workers, such as NHS staff, or for those who are clinically vulnerable. Analysis by the Liberal Democrats estimates that if the Conservatives failed to provide free tests, the 16,039 people in Bedford Borough who take on average two tests a week face a hit of £534 a year, assuming lateral flow tests cost around £5.80 each. This represents a total 'tax on caring' for people in Bedford Borough of around £8.5 million each year.

These people are part of the almost four million across England facing costs of over £500 a year after the decision was taken to scrap free lateral flow tests. The move will be of particular concern for the 11,860 in Bedford Borough previously identified as clinically extremely vulnerable, after the government's own scientific advisers on the SAGE committee warned that removing free testing will "increase anxiety" and limit the "social participation outside the home" of those who are clinically vulnerable or who live with someone who is.

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Health, Councillor Dean Crofts said "Charging residents for the tests they need to safely see vulnerable loved ones is a tax on caring, that risks leaving thousands in this area with no other option. It means vulnerable people in our community will see fewer loved ones and will be able to enjoy less of their lives. It is unfair and unjust."

The government have also decided to scrap the vital £500 support package for low income residents who test positive and self-isolate. Despite the fact that it will no longer be a legal requirement to self-isolate following a positive test, the government still advice people to do so. Employers could also continue with sensible precautions despite the government announcement. This means that low income residents who test positive may still be self-isolating but have now been abandoned by the government's removal of support.

Councillor Crofts continued "The Conservative MPs in our area need to make their voice heard and get behind scrapping these plans, to stop Bedford Borough being hit with a cost of living with COVID crisis. Throughout the pandemic, residents have been trying hard to do the right thing and keep others safe. The Government should not be making that harder."