Following the launch of the £500 Self Isolation Support Payment in England earlier this week, Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies is calling for it to be introduced in Wales as soon as possible.
The money is designed for people on low incomes who test positive for Covid-19, who are awaiting the result of a test or who have been told to self-isolate for 14 days.
The scheme was announced by Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock at the end of August.
Last week in the House of Commons, James asked Mr Hancock whether the scheme would be replicated in Wales.
He said:
“The self-isolation support payment of £500 comes into force next Monday for those on lower incomes who cannot work from home and stand to lose income. Of course, it is being distributed through local councils in England. Given that local government is a devolved matter, has my right hon. Friend had conversations with the Welsh Government about replicating the policy in Wales?”
The Health secretary assured James that the UKGovernment would be “providing the funding so that the devolved Administrations are able to put similar support in place”.
The following day, Welsh Government announced it would be replicating the scheme but a timescale for this is yet to be revealed.
James said:
“This is a great scheme aimed at making it easier for low-wage workers, who cannot afford to self-isolate for up to 14 days, to do what the Government is asking them to do – to stay at home and prevent passing the virus on to others.
“People in England have been able to apply for the £500 payments since Monday. Although the scheme won’t be paying out until mid-October, anyone who starts to self-isolate from September 28 should receive a backdated payment from their local authority after the scheme takes effect.
“I am very pleased that the devolved administrations are receiving funding to replicate the scheme and I urge the Welsh Government to now act quickly to ensure those on low incomes in Wales can access the same level of support.”
