Man living in his car for a year charged £40 by GP for a letter

Photo Credit: Pictured is Carlos Montanaro (left) and Graham Loveluck-Edwards (right). Carlos slept in a car for a whole year partly due to a cost of a GP’s letter to get him suitable temporary housing (Jonathon Hill/Media Wales)

Vale Foodbank Launches Campaign to Stop GP Fees That Push Disabled People into Poverty

Vale of Glamorgan, Wales — Vale Foodbank is calling for an end to uncapped GP fees for letters that disabled people need to access vital benefits. The charity says the charges are forcing some of the most vulnerable people in society into crisis — and are even needlessly prolonging homelessness.

The campaign was sparked by a local man who had to live in his car for over a year. He was unable to work and was receiving just £92 a week in Universal Credit to live on. Due to his medical condition he wanted to apply for suitable housing but Vale of Glamorgan County Council housing officers refused to add him to the “Gold” category he needed to be on without a letter from his GP confirming his diagnosis. But the surgery demanded £40 for the letter — money he simply didn’t have.

“This man had no choice. He ended up living in his car for a year, just because he couldn’t afford a piece of paper,” said Graham Loveluck-Edwards, who campaigns on behalf of Vale Foodbank.

GPs Charging Up to £100 for Letters

The foodbank has also heard from others in the Vale of Glamorgan who have been charged as much as £100 for similar letters which disabled people are routinely being asked for in order to make claims for ESA and PIP as well as suitable housing.

“These letters are not a luxury — they are a requirement for disabled people to access the support they are entitled to,” said Loveluck-Edwards. “If your income is less than £100 a week, and you’re asked to pay £50 to £100 just to make a benefit claim, how are you supposed to eat?”

Vale Foodbank says the charges are directly responsible for some people needing to use foodbanks when they otherwise wouldn’t have to.

Health Authorities Say GPs Can Charge What They Like

Both NHS Wales and the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board have stated that these letters are classed as “non-NHS work.” That means GP practices are legally allowed to charge whatever they want — and there is currently no cap or regulation.

“This is a gap in the system that’s punishing people for being disabled,” said Loveluck-Edwards. “We understand that GPs are under pressure. But there has to be a way to protect patients who simply can’t afford these costs.”

“Disability Tax” on Benefit Applications

Vale Foodbank argues that these charges amount to discrimination against disabled people.

“When you apply for Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or other support, you aren’t expected to pay a third party for your claim to be processed. But disabled people are being told they need to pay for medical evidence. Why them and no one else?” Loveluck-Edwards asked.

He added: “It’s a hidden disability tax — and it’s completely unjust.”

What the Campaign Is Calling For

Vale Foodbank is urging health authorities and government to take action immediately. The campaign is calling for:

• A cap on GP charges for benefit-related letters, especially for those on low incomes or disability benefits
• Clear guidance from NHS Wales to GP practices, advising against charging excessive fees
• A review of the benefit process, so people are not financially penalised for providing medical evidence

The charity is also encouraging people who have experienced similar issues to come forward and share their stories.

Foodbank Use on the Rise Among Disabled People

Vale Foodbank says it has seen a sharp increase in the number of disabled people needing emergency food support over the past year. Many cite delays in benefit claims or unaffordable GP fees as key reasons.

“The welfare system is supposed to be a safety net,” said Loveluck-Edwards. “But if people can’t even afford to apply for the support they need, that net has holes in it.”

If you wish to join this campaign, please contact:
Graham Loveluck-Edwards
Local Organiser at Vale Foodbank
[email protected]

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