Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

UK to charge for rapid Covid-19 testing early next year

UK to charge for rapid Covid-19 testing early next year

BRITAIN is aiming early next year to be ready to start charging for some previously free Covid-19 tests, two sources close to the health service said, a step one described as driven by the finance ministry's desire to rein in spending.

The government and health officials have said that rapid testing, via easy-to-use lateral flow tests, is crucial for tracking the spread of Covid-19, with regular testing of those without symptoms identifying around a quarter of all cases.


But with a budget statement later this month, the finance ministry is keen to try to reduce its spending on the pandemic, which is set to hit 407 billion pounds ($555 billion).

Under the so-called winter plan, published last month, the government said it would "continue to provide the public with access to free lateral flow tests in the coming months".

"At a later stage, as the government's response to the virus changes, universal free provision of LFDs (lateral flow devices) will end, and individuals and businesses using the tests will bear the cost," it added.

The government ended free lateral flow tests for businesses in England in July. According to the two sources close to the health system, steps are being taken to ready a charging system for the beginning of next year for widespread use.

Those steps include ensuring that payment capabilities are available on the government's website at the beginning of January.

It is unclear when the charge would be introduced. One source said that decision would depend on the figures for Covid-19 hospitalisations and the infection rate.

Asked whether he would end the universal free testing offer early next year, health secretary Sajid Javid told Reuters: "At the moment it is available. We haven't made any decisions about next year."

The finance ministry declined to add to the health minister's comments. But finance secretary Rishi Sunak has said he will return Britain's public finances to a sustainable path, raising the prospect of a squeeze on spending.

KEEPING THAT PRICE 'AS LOW AS POSSIBLE'

Under the universal provision, the government has made the tests freely available to order online or pick up from local pharmacies since April, and recommends people test themselves around twice a week.

According to the latest available government data, for the week of Sept. 16-22, more than 4.4 million rapid tests of asymptomatic people were registered, of which almost 50,000 were positive.

The Department of Health has declined to say what the tests cost, citing commercial contracts. One source said they can run to 30 pounds ($40.70) for a pack of seven.

Other European countries have started to charge for the tests including Germany, which was reported to be ending their free provision this month.

But business groups said that, along with the vaccines, mass, rapid testing has been a game-changer in allowing Britain to open up, and withdrawing the free provision too soon could be damaging.

For sectors such as hospitality, which have been particularly hard hit by months of closures during repeated pandemic lockdowns, free testing has been crucial to providing confidence for staff and customers.

"If the government wasn’t paying for it, we would want to use the government’s leverage to ensure that solution was cost effective for employers," said Kate Nicholls, chief executive of industry group UK Hospitality.

"We need to make sure that we are keeping that price down as low as possible," she added. "For small businesses, it would be very difficult for them to meet that kind of cost."

(Reuters)

More For You

Pakistan rejects claim of China’s role in border clash

Asim Munir

Pakistan rejects claim of China’s role in border clash

PAKISTAN’S army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir on Monday (7) rejected Delhi’s allegation that his military received active support from longtime ally China in its conflict with India in May.

The Indian Army’s deputy chief, Lieutenant General Rahul Singh, said last week that China gave Islamabad “live inputs” on key Indian positions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi courts Latin nations to expand trade relations

Christine Kangaloo awards Narendra Modi with the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago last Friday (4)

Modi courts Latin nations to expand trade relations

INDIA’S prime minister, Narendra Modi met Argentine president Javier Milei in Buenos Aires last Saturday (5), urging the expansion of New Delhi’s preferential trade deal with South America’s Mercosur bloc.

The bilateral talks with Milei were the latest in Modi’s whistle-stop diplomatic tour culminating in the summit of Brics emerging economies which began last Sunday (6) in Brazil.

Keep ReadingShow less
Minister 'open to talks' on British Sikh regiment

Lord Coaker (Photo: UK Parliament)

Minister 'open to talks' on British Sikh regiment

A FRESH parliamentary initiative to establish a dedicated Sikh regiment within the British Army has gained momentum in the House of Lords, with defence minister Lord Coaker expressing willingness to engage in further discussions about the long-debated proposal.

The issue was raised in the House of Lords on Monday (7) by Labour peer Lord Sahota, who asked whether there had been any progress on long-standing calls for a Sikh regiment.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heatwave Alert: Don’t Leave Contraceptives or Medication in Cars

Heat can also damage everyday items like sunglasses, suncream and vape devices

iStock

Drivers warned to remove contraceptives and medication from cars during UK heatwave

Highlights:

  • Experts urge motorists to avoid leaving certain items in vehicles during upcoming heatwave
  • Temperatures expected to rise above 30°C across large parts of the UK
  • Contraceptives and common medications can lose effectiveness in high heat
  • Heat can also damage everyday items like sunglasses, suncream and vape devices

Drivers urged to act as UK braces for extended heatwave

Drivers across the UK are being urged to remove a range of everyday items from their cars ahead of a predicted heatwave, with experts warning that the rising temperatures could pose both safety and health risks.

The Met Office has forecast a prolonged spell of hot weather, with temperatures expected to soar into the low 30s on Thursday and Friday. Much of the UK is likely to hit its regional heatwave threshold by the weekend, with this episode potentially affecting a wider area and lasting longer than previous hot spells.

Keep ReadingShow less
Royal Mail

The Royal Mail logo is seen on the side of a van as the UK government clear a 3.57 billion pound takeover offer by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky in London, December 16, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)

Reuters

Ofcom updates Royal Mail delivery targets, starts pricing review

MEDIA regulator Ofcom has set new minimum delivery standards for Royal Mail and revised existing targets in an effort to reduce delays. It also announced a review into pricing and affordability, amid concerns over rising stamp prices.

Royal Mail, which has faced fines of around $20 million over the past two years for not meeting delivery targets, is currently trying to modernise operations and focus more on parcel deliveries.

Keep ReadingShow less