Millions of patients in England are set to benefit from a major cost of living boost, as the government announces a freeze on NHS prescription charges for the first time in three years.
From today (28 April 2025), the cost of a prescription will remain at £9.90, helping to ease financial pressures for those who rely on regular medications. The freeze, announced by the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, Health Secretary Wes Streeting, and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, is part of the government’s broader Plan for Change aimed at supporting working families.
The move is expected to save patients around £18 million over the next year. It follows a range of other cost of living measures, including free breakfast clubs, expanded childcare through 300 new school-based nurseries, reduced school uniform costs, and the extension of the fuel duty freeze.
Affordable Healthcare for Millions
Patients who use prepayment certificates (PPCs) will also see a freeze in prices:
- A 3-month PPC remains at £32.05.
- A 12-month PPC stays at £114.50, allowing patients to spread payments to around £2 a week.
Those already exempt from prescription charges — including children under 16, full-time students aged 16–18, pensioners over 60, pregnant women, and individuals with qualifying medical conditions — will continue to receive free prescriptions.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting said:
“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. Fixing our NHS will be a long road, but today’s move shows we’re serious about delivering change and security for working families.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves added:
“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.”
Support for Patients with Long-Term Conditions
Health organizations have welcomed the announcement. Jonathan Blades, Head of Policy at Asthma + Lung UK, commented:
“The freezing of prescription charges is a welcome first step and will provide some short-term relief for people managing conditions like asthma and COPD, helping them stay well amid ongoing financial pressures.”
Approximately 89% of all prescriptions in England are already dispensed free of charge, thanks to existing exemptions for vulnerable groups. Additional support is available through the NHS Low Income Scheme for individuals not automatically eligible.
Boost for Community Health Services
This announcement comes just weeks after the government agreed a record investment worth £617 million over two years for Community Pharmacy England, aiming to shift more healthcare support closer to patients’ homes.
The freeze on charges also extends to NHS wigs and fabric supports, with prices for these items remaining unchanged.
Government Commitment to Rebuilding the NHS
The prescription charge freeze is part of a wider effort to rebuild the NHS, reduce waiting lists, improve staff pay, and move healthcare delivery into local communities, making it more accessible for everyone.
For more information about NHS prescription exemptions or to check eligibility for the NHS Low Income Scheme, patients are encouraged to visit the NHS website.
