‘Truly Unfair’: The True Cost of Prescription Charges in England
In England, a ” bad day” is approaching as prescription charges are set to rise to almost £10 per item on the 1st May. While all other UK nations have abolished prescription charges, Wales in 2007, Northern Ireland in 2010, and Scotland in 2011, England remains the only country still charging patients for prescriptions.
This longstanding system now faces further challenges, with the government announcing inflationary increases, pushing the cost up to £9.90. Additionally, government proposals suggest raising the upper age exemption for free prescriptions from 60 to 65, potentially leaving more people financially burdened. As costs continue to climb, the financial strain on individuals, particularly those in vulnerable situations, is set to deepen. This isn’t happening in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland but only in England!!
In England, many patients are faced with difficult choices regarding their health. People must decide whether to forgo necessary medications or stretch their limited finances to support a child or a more vulnerable family member.
It’s heartbreaking to think that people living in England are forced to choose between taking medications or saving money for essential items and food. This is a stark reality that many communities across England will recognise all too well.
Stephen Morris, General Secretary of the Workers of England Union, stated:
“No one should face a financial barrier to getting the medicines they need to stay well. Prescription charges should be scrapped in England, as they have been in the rest of the UK. Allowing the prescription charge to rise to this level is a shameful neglect of working people on low, fixed incomes, who are not exempt. Many people already choose not to collect some or all of their prescription medicines due to cost, with potentially dire health consequences.”
He continued, “This is a tax on the working poor in England and that deepens the cost-of-living crisis for them. The NHS prescription charge price increase has struck fear into people living with long-term health conditions. That’s why the Workers of England Union is calling on the UK Government to scrap the charge in 2025.”
What’s Happening?
Prescription charges in England are set to rise from £9.65 to £9.90 per item in May 2025. Over the past decade, charges have increased from £7.85 in 2013 to £9.90 in 2025.
- England remains the only UK nation that still charges patients for prescriptions—free in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Why the Increase?
- The government cites inflation adjustments (3.21% most recently) as the reason for the increase.
- The rise will also affect the price of wigs, fabric supports, and prepayment certificates (PPCs).
Financial Impact:
- For individuals who aren’t exempt, the rising costs are becoming increasingly unaffordable.
- A 12-month PPC now costs £114.50, up from £111.60, still cheaper than paying per item for anyone needing more than 12 prescriptions a year.
Concerns & Criticism:
- The WEU describe this as a “tax on the working poor in England.”
- Media outlets are reporting that many people are skipping medications or choosing between essentials due to the rising cost.
- Long-term patients, fear their conditions may worsen if they skip medications.
- Some campaigners are urging the government to freeze it, and revise exemption rules. The WEU sates the “charges should be scrapped”
Who Gets Free Prescriptions?
Currently exempt are:
- Children
- People aged 60 and over (though there are proposals to raise this to 65)
- Pregnant women
- People on certain benefits
- Those with specific medical conditions