The Government's Plans to Cut Free NHS Prescriptions and Dental Care Amid New Universal Credit Sanctions
Key Highlights :
The UK Government has recently proposed plans to cut free NHS prescriptions and dental care as part of a new Universal Credit sanctions regime. This was announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt during the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester. The plans, which are still under discussion in Whitehall, would affect claimants who do not comply with the requirements of their Universal Credit.
Under the proposed sanctions, those who fail to comply with the requirements of their Universal Credit could be fined. It has also been suggested that those who have been sanctioned for six months may have their Universal Credit closed by the Department for Work and Pensions. This would mean that they would be unable to claim for up to three months.
However, it is important to note that the Government has not yet confirmed the plans for tougher sanctions. It has been reported that the new rules would not affect anyone who receives the disability, housing or child aspects of Universal Credit.
The proposed plans have been met with criticism from many, with many claiming that the sanctions could lead to people being unable to access essential healthcare services. It has been argued that the sanctions could lead to people being unable to pay for prescriptions and dental care, which could have a serious impact on their health.
The Government has yet to confirm the plans for tougher sanctions, but it is clear that the proposed plans could have a serious impact on those who rely on free NHS prescriptions and dental care. It is important that the Government listens to the concerns of those affected by the proposed sanctions and ensures that people are able to access the essential healthcare services that they need.
