Councillors have raised concerns over the scrapping of free Covid testing in Nottinghamshire amid the cost of living crisis. It has been argued businesses and schools may be impacted as poorer people are forced to choose between heating, eating or testing.
The fears were raised during a Nottinghamshire County Council social care and public health meeting on Monday, April 25, by councillor David Martin, who represents Selston for the Ashfield Independents and councillor Steve Carr, who represents Beeston North for the Liberal Democrats.
They came as Jonathan Gribbin, the director of public health in Nottinghamshire, said "we should continue to see fresh waves of infection" due to new variants and changes in immunity. It was argued free testing should remain to allow society to function properly, particularly in school and business settings, and as to prevent further health inequalities.
