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An unemployed man was left in tears and without medication because of an error with the Tory Government’s botched Universal Credit roll-out.

Universal Credit claimant Matthew Smythe went to a pharmacist to collect the free medicine that he needs for an ongoing condition and is entitled to - only to be told that he could be fined up to £100 for not ticking the Universal Credit box on his prescription - even though such a box doesn’t exist.

This is because prescription forms have not been updated in line with the controversial new benefits policy - which is causing confusion and misery for struggling people.

The 23-year-old who lives in Wavertree and has been looking for work since June, was told that he could either pay the £17 for his medication and claim it back or risk the hefty fine - so he left in tears and without treatment.

He told the ECHO: “I went to my pharmacist after seeing my doctor.

“I explained that I was claiming Universal Credit - but on the back of the form there is a list of boxes to check for people who don’t pay prescription charges.

“Universal Credit is not on that list at present.

(Image: Michael Pearson)

“She said I could just check the box for Jobseeker’s Allowance, but she said she had another customer who had been fined for doing that.

“She said ‘I can’t tell you what to do, you can either pay the £17.20 and claim it back or risk being fined upto £100.

“In that situation, I couldn’t pay the £17.20 and I certainly couldn’t risk being fined £100.

Matthew added: “So I had to leave the pharmacist, without me medicine - I went home and I don’t think I have felt that small.

“I makes you feel like you can’t do anything - it is very demoralising, I felt awful.

“I went home and I cried and I called my mother.”

While Matthew’s mother was able to help him out on this occasion so that he could afford the medication that he requires, he knows many others cannot call on loved ones for help.

He said: “Many people don’t have the kind of support network that I am lucky enough to have.

“It is wrong that people are expected to pay this and claim it back.

“I was left facing the question of do I pay for the medicine that I need or do I feed myself for the week?”

The prescription issue is one being raised by Labour councillors at tonight’s full council meeting.