Labour ministers have been criticised after it emerged Welsh residents must pay around double the cost for PCR tests in comparison to residents elsewhere in the UK.
Several constituents have contacted Welsh Conservative Members of the Senedd to express their concern at the prices they have to pay to obtain a test in Wales after being overseas.
Currently, the Welsh Government directs individuals to one PCR provider – Corporate Travel Management – who are charging £170 per person (over the age of five) for two PCR tests and £88 for one test.
However, the UK Government is offering residents in England multiple choices of providers and prices, and two tests can be obtained for around half the price quoted by the Welsh Government for residents in Wales.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Health Minister, Russell George MS said:
“The Welsh Labour Government has constantly said they wanted a Welsh approach to Covid but if they’re going to do it their way, it must be fair, without hitting people in the pocket.
“Constituents are contacting members across the Senedd regarding this perceived injustice as it seems Welsh residents are being unfairly treated in comparison to people elsewhere in the UK.
“Many people in Wales have gone 18 months without seeing their loved ones who live abroad – children not seeing their grandparents, and some new-borns will be nearly two before seeing family.
“With the vaccination programme going from strength to strength if people want to go abroad – and they feel it is right for them to do so – then the Welsh Labour Government should ensure an affordable, accurate and equitable testing process is in place.”