Widespread opposition to prescription charges for the over 60s, survey reveals

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Plans to scrap free prescriptions for the over 60s have proved unpopular with Manchester Evening News. readers In a survey of more than 200 people, 80% said they were against plans to bring in charges for those aged between 60 and 65.

The proposal is to bring the age in line with the current retirement age of 66, with the government suggesting that many people between 60 and 65 are still in work and can therefore afford to pay for prescriptions. READ MORE:The Greater Manchester suburb where children have to use McDonald's Wi-Fi to do their homework Many answering the survey went as far as to say that all prescriptions should be free, with 73% people arguing for this to be the case in line with Scotland and Wales.

The current proposed plan to axe free prescriptions could come into effect as soon as April this year, although the Government has yet to report back on its 2021 consultation.

At present, prescriptions are also available for free to various people including under 16s, people with specific medical conditions and those on certain benefits.