Cost of Living Boost: Prescription Charges Frozen in England

Millions of people in England are set to benefit as the government freezes NHS prescription charges for the first time in three years.

Announced on Monday, the cost of a single prescription will remain at £9.90, rather than increasing with inflation. This move is expected to save patients around £18 million over the next year, especially helping those who regularly pay for prescriptions to manage long-term conditions.

What this means for you:

• Single prescription charge stays at £9.90

• 3-month prepayment certificate (PPC) frozen at £32.05

• 12-month PPC frozen at £114.50 (can be paid in instalments – around £2 a week)

• No changes to existing exemptions – if you already get prescriptions free, that will continue

• Support still available via the NHS Low Income Scheme for those who may struggle to pay

Healthwatch West Berkshire welcomes this announcement as a small but meaningful step to ease pressure on people during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Broader changes on the way

This move is part of the government’s wider Plan for Change, which includes:

• A £26 billion boost to the NHS

• £617 million in extra funding for community pharmacies

• A push to bring more care into local communities

  
  

It’s encouraging to see efforts to shift services closer to where people live, making care more accessible and reducing unnecessary hospital visits.

At Healthwatch West Berks we’ll continue listening to what matters most to patients and making sure your voice is heard as the health and care system evolves.