A CROMPTON councillor has said the move to end giving out free coronavirus tests "risks leaving millions in lockdown by stealth" as many keep making efforts to protect others.

On Monday, setting out the government's Living with Covid plan, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said free testing for the public would end on April 1.

Tests will still be available to symptomatic elderly and vulnerable people though, he added.

But Liberal Democrats representative Louie Hamblett, the party's Oldham leading member for health and social care, has criticised the move, which he thinks would be a "tax on caring".

He highlights figures which found 4m people take regular Covid-19 tests, taking two a week on average.

This includes those who take tests to protect their elderly relatives and friends, or vulnerable workers who work in people-facing industries such as hospitality and are concerned about their health.

Based on the cost of average lateral flow tests in other western countries such including Belgium, France, Spain and America, these people could be left paying hundreds of pounds a year.

Cllr Hamblett said: “Charging people for the tests they need to safely see vulnerable loved ones is a tax on caring, that risks leaving millions of people in lockdown by stealth.

"Throughout the pandemic, people have been trying hard to do the right thing and keep others safe.

"The government should not be making that harder.”

Cllr Hamblett added: “Yet again, hard-working people are being asked to choose between their weekly shop or paying to see loved ones in care homes or hospitals.

"Surely such a measure should not be passed."

In response, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Throughout the pandemic response we have done everything we can to protect people receiving care and staff and it is vital this continues.

“While the vast majority of people cared for in care homes and at home are vaccinated, the risk of transmission and hospitalisation from Covid-19 remain higher than in the general population so the current protections will remain.

“We continue to review all our Covid-19 measures for adult social care in line with the latest scientific advice, and will provide further details of any changes in due course.”