GPs advised not to help Glasgow 'bedroom tax' appeals

GPS in Glasgow are being advised not to help patients who could be exempt from the 'bedroom tax'.

The body which represents GPs across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is now advising doctors not to provide letters to support claims against benefit cuts. In a letter to surgeries, the Glasgow Local Medical Committee (GLMC) said GPs were "not in a position to police the benefits system" and are "not resourced" to provide the service

Councillor Matt Kerr, Executive Member for Social Care at Glasgow City Council, said: "A GP's letter is only one of a number of sources of evidence we accept in support of a claim for the additional room allowance. "But with the clear link between poverty and poor health, it is unfortunate that GPs have taken this stance."