On 11 September 2019, local Member of Parliament for Torfaen, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, wrote to the Chief Executive of Boots UK urging him to consider halting the introduction of new home delivery charges for medicines.

Mr Thomas-Symonds MP has been approached by constituents who have notified him about the recent introduction of delivery charges for prescriptions to be delivered to constituents’ homes.

At present, delivery charges are free with Boots UK and many constituents have relied upon this service. However, from the 30 September 2019, Boots UK have informed patients by letter, that they must pay a £5.00 fee, per patient, for each individual prescription to be delivered. Alternatively, patients can also opt for a annual £55.00 yearly fee, per patient, for delivery.

Mr Thomas-Symonds MP wrote to the Chief Executive of Boots UK, Mr Sebastian James, outlining his concern about this introduction. He stated in his letter that he is “extremely concerned by this introduction and would like to ask that you urgently consider halting this introduction, giving the opportunity to evaluate the full impact of this new charge on all those who are in need of regular medication”.

Speaking about this introduction Mr Thomas-Symonds MP said:

“Free home prescription deliveries are vital for those who require regular medication. I have seen how vital this service is to the local community and this fee introduction will hamper those who are in most need in our society. This is why I have written to Boots UK outlining my very serious concerns asking for them to urgently consider this introduction. Patients in my constituency should not have to be burdened by an additional fee for their prescriptions to be delivered.”