AN ANDOVER councillor has spoken out against the government’s proposed changes to free prescriptions, which would see those aged between 60 and 65 required to pay for medications.

Following the increase of the state pension age to 66, the government launched a consultation in July, with respondents asked for their views on prescription charges, with one option presented being aligning the ages.

The change would impact 2.4 million residents, and has been met with mixed reaction across England.

Now, Cllr Iris Andersen (TVBC, St Mary’s) has said that she thinks the government would be letting down their older residents “yet again” if the proposal was to pass.

Speaking to the Advertiser, she said: “Yet again, pensioners are suffering. We have the TV licenses issue, then the over 75 check ups cancelled, and now this. When I read that NHS prescriptions are free for people of all ages who live in Wales and Scotland, you do start to wonder! It annoys me - why should we be different?

“And what really really concerns me about all this is people who are sick. Are they going to let themselves go because they cannot afford the prescription? It’s even more concerning after everything that has been going on in the past two years with Covid.”

Following the consultation announcement, charity Age UK launched a campaign opposing it.

A spokesperson said: "This is a bitter pill to swallow for millions in this age group, especially if their income is modest but takes them just above the benefit line. It also penalises those who need multiple medicines because they are managing several serious long term health conditions, like hypertension or heart disease.

"Our biggest worry about this proposal is its potential impact on people’s health, especially if their money is tight. We are deeply concerned they may be reluctant to act on symptoms, seek medical advice or get a diagnosis, for fear they will be unable to afford long term, symptom relieving or even in some cases lifesaving medication.

"If ever there was a self-defeating policy we think this is it, and many medical experts agree with us."

Cllr Andersen said that she understands that there are a limited number of medical exemptions to prescription fees, but added that an average of £9.35 per item is too steep a fee to ask of those aged 60 to 65.

“This isn’t political, I’m simply sticking up for the pensioners," she said.

"When you get to a certain age, you have worked all your life. I know we can’t get everything for free in life. I would accept it if they could be reasonable, and maybe instead of the prescription charge being more than £9, it could be a level people could afford.

“I am also worried about what else is going to be added onto this. For example the £10 Christmas Bonus, is that going to stop?”

When asked for the reason for the consultation, and when a decision will be taken, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Around 90 per cent of community prescription items in England are free of charge, and people don’t pay if they are on a low income, over 60, or have certain medical conditions.

“The upper age exemption has not changed since 1995 and that is why we have consulted on restoring the link between this and the state pension age. We are considering the responses carefully and will respond in due course.”