Millions of people across the country will see the cost of their
prescriptions frozen for the first time in three years from today
– as the government puts money back into the pockets of working
people as it delivers on the Plan for Change.
The move will save patients around £18 million next year –
keeping prescriptions under the cost of a tenner, at £9.90 for a
single charge. Those who are already exempt from paying their
prescription will continue to be so.
Three month and annual prescriptions prepayment certificates will
also be frozen for 2025/26.
Annual charges can be made in instalments meaning those
requiring regular medicines will be able to get them for just
over £2 a week.
The prescription charge freeze builds on wider government action
to tackle the cost of living crisis, including the rollout of
free breakfast clubs, expanded childcare through 300 new
school-based nurseries, lowering the cost of school uniforms, and
extending the fuel duty freeze – all aimed at easing financial
pressures on families across the country.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, , said:
“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.
“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.
“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.”
The announcement follows news last month of the
government agreeing funding with Community Pharmacy England
worth an extra £617 million over 2 years.
And the investment comes alongside reforms to deliver a raft of
patient benefits, as part of the government's agenda to shift the
focus of care from hospitals into the community, so that people
can more easily access care and support on their high streets.
This freeze is only possible thanks to the government's difficult
but necessary choices at the Budget to bring in a £26 billion
boost to the health service.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, , said:
“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.
“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.”
Jonathan Blades, Head of Policy at Asthma + Lung UK
said:
"The freezing of prescription charges is a welcome first step and
will provide some short-term relief for people with lung
conditions during the ongoing cost of living crisis. Living with
a long-term lung condition like asthma and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) is expensive and rising prescription
costs only make it harder for people to manage their condition
and stay well."
Around 89% of prescriptions in England are already
dispensed free of charge to children, over-60s, pregnant women,
and those with certain medical conditions. This freeze will not
impact that scheme.
In addition to the freeze on charges, the NHS low income scheme
offers help with prescription payments, with free prescriptions
for eligible people in certain groups such as pensioners,
students, and those who receive state benefits or live in care
homes.
Alongside action to rebuild the NHS, the government's Plan for
Change is focused on growing the economy to improve living
standards across the country. This further freeze will only
improve that.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- NHS prescription charges apply in England only
- A 3-month prescription prepayment certificate (PPCs) will be
frozen at £32.05 and a 12 month PPCs will remain at
£114.50.
- Groups exempt from prescription charges include:
o Children under 16 and those in full-time education
aged 16-18
o People aged 60 and over
o Pregnant women and those who have had a baby in the
last 12 months
o People with specified medical conditions like
diabetes or cancer and have valid exemption certificates
o Those receiving qualifying benefits including
Universal Credit (with criteria)
o NHS inpatients
- The freeze will also apply to NHS wigs and fabric supports;
these prices will remain at current levels:
- Surgical brassiere
£32.50
- Abdominal or spinal
support £49.05
- Stock modacrylic
wig
£80.15
- Partial human hair wig
£212.35
- Full bespoke human hair
wig £310.55
- Patients on a low income, who do not qualify for an
exemption, can apply for help with help costs through application
to the NHS Low Income Scheme. People can check whether they are
eligible for help Check if you're eligible for
help | NHSBSA
