WQ90654 (e) Tabled on 22/01/2024

Further to WQ90338, what has been the cost to the Welsh NHS of administering exemptions for dentistry charges for each of the last 5 years?

Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services | Answered on 30/01/2024

The table below sets out the costs associated with the administration of the ‘Low Income Scheme’ and the ‘NHS Tax Credit Exemption Scheme’. Both schemes are operated by National Health Service Business Service Authority (NHSBSA) on behalf of Welsh Government and the running costs are calculated based on the activity of the previous year.

The ‘Low-income scheme’ provides a means tested exemption for certain costs associated with accessing NHS services. The running costs associated with administering the scheme include (but are not limited to): processing claims; seeking claim evidence; dealing with all correspondence related to running of the LIS and carrying out formal and independent review of decisions.

The NHS Tax credit exemption scheme is responsible for issuing certificates of entitlement for help with NHS charges remission as notified by HMRC. Running costs include (but are not limited to): accepting claims for refunds of charges already paid; dealing with all correspondence relating to the issuing of tax credit exemption certificates and issuing certificates of entitlement.

 

18/19

19/20

21/22

22/23

23/24

Low Income Scheme

£164, 220

£118, 733

£98, 978

£89, 328

£51, 095

Tax credits

£101, 837

£86, 418

£69, 935

£37, 492

£15, 542

Total

£263, 565

£205, 151

£168, 913

£126, 820

£66, 638

Source NHSBSA