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Vulnerable people in Wales can't access priority shopping register for supermarket deliveries

The Welsh Government is offering a different scheme

Kids in Wales talk about what life is like for them during the coronavirus lockdown

Vulnerable people have criticised the Welsh and UK Governments as they cannot access an online register service to allow them to register for priority supermarket delivery slots.

The UK Government has created an online register so people can register to say they need extra help during the coronavirus outbreak. Yet people in Wales cannot register.

With click and collect and online delivery slots in short supply, the register is being used by supermarkets to prioritise those who are classed as "extremely vulnerable".

It is open to those elderly people and those with underlying health conditions who were advised to stay in their homes and avoid face-to-face contact for 12 weeks before lockdown was brought in.

A spokesman for the Welsh Government told us that vulnerable people here would be able to request a free weekly food box from their local authority.

But we were contacted by the carer of a six-year-old with leukemia who explained why being able to access priority supermarket delivery slots was also important and urged the Welsh Government to work with the UK Government to ensure people here can access the register.

The family, who asked not to be identified, would qualify if they lived in England.

"There is no opportunity for Welsh patients to get on that list. There is no register here and no where to ask for help from. Online shopping has disappeared," they said.

"These patients are so vulnerable they might not survive coronavirus.

"They would also put a massive pressure on the NHS if they did become infected. For their benefit and the benefit of the country they have been told to stay in for 12 weeks with no plans to help or support them. In some areas they are locked inside their homes literally frightened for their lives."

Philip Pearce from Bridgend told BBC Wales: "It's ridiculous. How am I meant to get my shopping delivered now? I have always had it delivered but now I'm expected to pick it up. This can't be right."

Age Cymru said it was "vital" for people in Wales to be able to sign up.

Its chief executive Victoria Lloyd said: "Many older people have told us that they have to wait for up to three weeks for a delivery while others were simply thrown out of the registration process.

Retired nurse Beverly Harrison-Wood, 63, from Cardigan, Ceredigion, told BBC Wales the earliest delivery slot she has been offered with any of the major supermarkets was mid-April.

Mrs Harrison-Wood, who has rheumatoid arthritis, lives with her husband, 69, and her 85-year-old mother, said they had about a week's worth of food left.

She said: "There's no chance at all of getting a delivery...

"Unfortunately we can't [sign up for priority] as it's available to England but not to Wales, which is annoying."

We have repeatedly asked the Welsh Government what their plans to help these people are.

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The response on Monday was that people who have been identified as extremely vulnerable can get council support.

A Welsh Government spokeswoman said: "From tomorrow (31 March), all those people who have received a letter from the Chief Medical Officer asking them to shield themselves for 12 weeks because they are extremely vulnerable, will be able to request a free weekly food box delivery from their local authority, if they do not have support from friends or family."

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In an updated statement, they added: “The Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs met representatives from the retail sector again today to discuss a range of issues, including the support they will be able to provide as the pandemic continues.

“Retailers have committed to continue to work with the Welsh Government, including prioritising food supplies for people who are shielding, the elderly, other vulnerable people and our NHS and care workers, as well as providing extra support for food banks.”

In Scotland, advice and contact details are available to "arrange for food and medicine deliveries, and other support services".