The SNP‘s policy of giving away prescriptions for free cost the public coffers £1.5 billion last year, it has emerged. Medicines have been prescribed free of charge in Scotland since 2011.

Despite pleading poverty at Holyrood, the SNP has boasted about the cost, comparing it with England where charges have generated over £6 billion since 2011. It is bound to re-open debate over the policy, which critics say disproportionately benefits those from middle or higher-income families.

Nine out of 10 prescriptions are free of charge in England., meaning those on the lowest incomes do not need to fork out for drugs. Prescriptions are also free in Northern Ireland and Wales.

House of Commons Library research found that since 2011, prescription charges in England have generated £6.6 billion in revenues. In England, the cost of prescription payment certificates will rise on May 1, going up by 2.6% to £9.90.

Want to see more SNP fails? – Politics Matters