MILLIONS of patients across England are set to save cash at the chemist as the government freezes NHS prescription charges for the first time in three years.
The move, announced today, means the cost of a single prescription will stay at £9.90 – still under a tenner – offering a lifeline to struggling households.
It’s expected to save patients £18 million over the next year, with ministers claiming it’s part of a bigger plan to ease the cost-of-living squeeze.
Prescription prepayment certificates – including the annual pass – are also staying put price-wise, letting people spread payments to just over £2 a week.
The freeze lands weeks after a record £617 million investment was pledged to boost community pharmacies across the country.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said it was all part of the government’s “Plan for Change”; and putting “money back into people’s pockets.”;
He added: “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.”;
Chancellor Rachel Reeves backed him up, saying the prescription price freeze was made possible by “tough but necessary choices”; in the recent Budget.
She claimed the government is “delivering for all”; and giving the NHS a £26 billion shot in the arm.
Campaigners welcomed the news, with Asthma + Lung UK saying it’s a “welcome first step”; for patients with long-term conditions.
The freeze won’t affect the majority of prescriptions already given out for free – including those to pensioners, kids, pregnant women, and people with certain medical issues.
Around 89% of prescriptions in England don’t cost a penny anyway, but this move targets the working public caught in the squeeze.
The NHS Low Income Scheme is also still in place for those struggling the most, offering extra help with medical costs.
