Prescription Charges Frozen for First Time in Over a Decade
The government has announced a freeze on NHS prescription charges this year, breaking a decade-long trend of automatic hikes. Normally jacked up with inflation, prescription costs will stay put to help ease the cost of living crisis hitting Brits hard.
Millions Saved by Freezing Prescription Fees
This means the 1 in 4 people who pay for prescriptions will collectively save £17 million. The charge remains at £9.35 per item and £30.25 for a 3-month prepayment certificate (PPC). The 12-month PPC stays at £108.10 and can be paid in instalments—so patients can get their meds for just over £2 a week.
NHS Help for Low Income Families
Alongside the freeze, the NHS Low Income Scheme offers free prescriptions for pensioners, students, people on state benefits, and those in care homes. The government is keen to ensure vital medication remains accessible for vulnerable groups.
Officials Respond to Rising Costs and Pandemic Pressures
Sajid Javid, Health Secretary, said: “The rise in the cost of living has been unavoidable as we face global challenges and the repercussions of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine. Whilst we can’t completely prevent these rises, where we can help – we absolutely will. This is why I am freezing prescription charges to help ease some of these pressures and put money back in people’s pockets.”
A government spokesperson added the NHS is tackling Covid backlogs and investing a record £39 billion through the Health and Care Levy over the next three years. New surgical hubs and 160 community diagnostic centres are opening to offer easier access to care, with 88 centres already delivering over 800,000 scans.
Calls to Update Who Qualifies for Free Prescriptions
Laura Cockram, chairwoman of the Prescription Charges Coalition, welcomed the freeze but urged the government to update free prescription eligibility. She said the exemption list dates back over 50 years, from before life-saving treatments existed for conditions like HIV, Parkinson’s, and MS.
The government has also floated raising the free prescription age from 60 to match the state pension age (currently 66 for men), but no decision has been made.
Prescription Freeze Extends to NHS Wigs and Supports
The freeze isn’t just for meds. NHS wigs and fabric supports will also hold their prices:
- Surgical brassiere: £30.70
- Abdominal or spinal support: £46.30
- Stock modacrylic wig: £75.70
- Partial human hair wig: £200.50
- Full bespoke human hair wig: £293.20
With costs rising everywhere, this rare freeze offers a welcome lifeline for patients relying on essential NHS treatments.
