£17m boost as prescription charge frozen
PRESCRIPTION charges are to be frozen for the first time in a decade, saving households £17million across the country.
Charges usually rise in line with inflation each year but Health Secretary Sajid Javid said he is taking action to help people facing soaring bills.
Mr Javid 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.while we can’t completely prevent these rises, where we can help we absolutely will.
“This is why I am freezing prescription charges to ease some of these pressures and put money back in people’s pockets.”
Prescriptions will remain at £9.35 for a single charge or £30.25 for a three-month prepayment certificate. A 12-month payment certificate will remain at £108.10 and can be paid in instalments, meaning patients can get all the medicines they need for just over £2 a week.
In addition to the freeze on charges, the NHS Low Income Scheme offers free prescriptions for eligible people including many pensioners, students, and those who receive state benefits or live in care homes. The prescription freeze will also apply to NHS wigs and fabric supports.
Ministers say they are working to tackle record waiting lists for treatment following the pandemic, including providing an additional £39billion for health and social care services.
The NHS is opening new surgical hubs and 160 community diagnostic centres.
But the number of people waiting for surgery or other procedures in hospitals rose to almost 6.4 million at the end of March, official figures show.
Ministers also say the Government’s Health and Social Care Bill, which received Royal Assent last month, will create a new care system bringing together the NHS and local councils to improve the way services work together.
A Health Disparitieswhite Paper, due later this year, will set out plans to “level up” health in areas where life expectancy is currently lowest.
Mr Javid’s announcement comes after Boris Johnson instructed ministers to come up with measures to ease the pressure on household budgets.
Patients are already exempt from prescription charges if they are 60 or over, under 16, or aged 16 to 18 and in full-time education.they are also exempt if they are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months, have a specified medical condition or have a physical disability that prevents them going out without help from another person.