Lib Dems get Council to agree a localised covid testing programme

Yesterday, Surrey County Council unanimously agreed a motion from the Lib Dems which criticised the Government's 'Living with Covid' plan which will end universal free covid testing.

The Council agreed to call on the Government to continue with free PCR and lateral flow tests for those residents in critical groups, such as front-line workers and those who are eligible for free prescriptions.

However, the County Council decided it did not want to wait for the Government to do the right thing and U-turn on its plans to restrict covid testing. Following agreeing a motion from Lib Dem Group Leader Councillor Will Forster, the Council will look at creating its own localised testing programme for residents it has a duty of care for.

The County Council will now explore the option of providing free asymptomatic testing for staff working in health and social care, vulnerable residents in care homes and other similar groups.

Lib Dem Group Leader and County Councillor for Woking South, Will Forster, said:

"Despite the Government pretending otherwise, covid is very much still with us. It is circulating at very high levels across our country and county. There is widespread concern that stopping providing free tests for all will make it harder to fight covid. Charging for essential tests would hit those who can least afford it hardest, at a time when families are already being clobbered by soaring energy bills."

"I am delighted County Councillors from across the political spectrum supported my motion to call on the Government to stop withdrawing free covid testing and to roll-out a Surrey based covid testing programme to those the Council has a duty of care for. I know Council staff will be working to delivering this localised free covid testing scheme as soon as possible."