UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – England’s NHS prescription prices frozen after three years, keeping charges under £10 as ministers move to ease rising living costs.
As reported by Sky News, the UK government has announced that NHS prescription fees in England will be frozen for the first time in three years.
How much will the NHS prescription fee freeze save patients?
The government has frozen NHS prescription charges at £9.90, aiming to save patients £18 million in the coming year.
The three-month prescription prepayment certificate will be capped at £32.05, and the 12-month version will maintain its rate of £114.50.
As voters across England head to the polls on Thursday for local council elections, this announcement comes into effect.
Keir Starmer’s views on freezing prescription charges
During his visit to a health centre in Rossendale, Lancashire, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the prescription charge freeze.
He stated,
“Today we are freezing prescription charges so that means they won’t go over £10 and that is significant because very many people have to pay for prescriptions.”
Mr Starmer said,
“There’s a sort of cost-of-living crisis that is still very challenging for people, so this is an important measure in that. It’s not the only measure of course – we are taking steps on school uniforms to limit the cost of school uniforms, we’re driving up the minimum wage, we’ve got breakfast clubs coming on stream, that’s something we announced last week, which will save families about £450.”
He added,
“Each of these, in their incremental way, will ease the pressure that people feel because of the cost-of-living crisis.”
What did Health Secretary Wes Streeting say about fixing the NHS?
Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated,
“This Government’s plan for change will always put working people first and our moves today to freeze prescription charges will put money back into the pockets of millions of patients.”
He said,
“Fixing our NHS will be a long road – but by working closer with our pharmacies we’re saving money and shifting care to the community where it’s closer to your home.”
Mr Streeting added,
“We made the difficult but necessary choices at the budget to fund moves like this and change our NHS so it can once again be there for you when you need it.”
What did Chancellor Rachel Reeves say about the NHS and prescription charges?
Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated,
“We promised to build an NHS fit for the future and that started with the £26 billion funding boost I delivered at the budget, to repair and improve the many vital services it provides.”
She added,
“Since then, waiting lists are falling, staff are better paid and supported, and today £18 million has been kept in patient’s pockets by freezing prescription charges – easing the cost of living through our plan for change, delivering for all.”
Which groups are exempt from prescription charges?
The following groups are eligible for exemption from prescription charges:
- Children under 16 years old
- Young people aged 16-18 in full-time education
- Individuals over 66 years of age
- Pregnant women and new mothers within 12 months of giving birth
- People with certain medical conditions, like diabetes and cancer, who possess valid exemption certificates
NHS prescription charges in England
Prescription charges under the NHS are applicable only in England, with Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales having abolished the fee after devolution.
In 2022, under Boris Johnson’s Conservative government, prescription charges were frozen to provide relief to those facing the rising cost of living.
Almost 89% of prescriptions in England are already free of charge. This includes prescriptions for children, individuals over 65, pregnant women, and those with specific medical conditions.
Payment for annual charges can be spread across installments. This allows people who need ongoing medication to spend just over £2 a week.