Millions in England get a prescription price freeze to ease cost of living crisis
NHS Prescription Charges Frozen at £9.90
From today, April 28, 2025, the NHS prescription charge in England is freezing at £9.90 for the first time in three years. This move will save patients an estimated £18 million over the next 12 months, providing vital financial relief for those who rely on regular medication.
The freeze, unveiled by the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, Health Secretary Wes Streeting, and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, forms part of the government’s wider Plan for Change to support working families battling the rising cost of living.
Help for Prescription Prepayment Certificate Holders
- 3-month Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) stays at £32.05
- 12-month PPC remains at £114.50, letting patients spread payments to just around £2 a week
Exempt groups, including children under 16, full-time students aged 16–18, pensioners over 60, pregnant women, and those with qualifying medical conditions, will continue to enjoy free prescriptions.
Government Voices Back Freeze
“This government’s Plan for Change will always put working people first, and freezing prescription charges puts money back into the pockets of millions of patients,” said Health Secretary Wes Streeting. “Fixing our NHS will be a long road, but today’s move shows we’re serious about delivering change and security for working families.”
“We promised to build an NHS fit for the future, and that began with the £26 billion funding boost I delivered at the Budget. Freezing prescription charges eases the cost of living for millions, delivering real change through our Plan for Change,” added Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Support for Patients and Community Health
Jonathan Blades, Head of Policy at Asthma + Lung UK, welcomed the freeze: “This is a welcome first step and will provide short-term relief for people managing conditions like asthma and COPD, helping them stay well amid ongoing financial pressures.”
Already, around 89% of all prescriptions in England are free due to existing exemptions.
The freeze also covers NHS wigs and fabric supports, with prices held steady.
This comes just weeks after a record £617 million investment for Community Pharmacy England over two years, aiming to bring healthcare closer to home.
What’s Next?
The prescription charge freeze is a key part in the government’s pledge to rebuild the NHS, slash waiting lists, boost staff pay, and make healthcare more accessible locally.
For more about prescription exemptions and eligibility for the NHS Low Income Scheme, patients should visit the official NHS website.
