Overview
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the single prescription charge in England will stay at £9.90 until next April, extending last year’s freeze.
- England remains the only UK nation that still charges for prescriptions, as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland provide them free.
- Free prescriptions in England already cover children under 16, 16–18s in full-time education, and everyone aged 60 and over.
- People on Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or Universal Credit can qualify, with extra rules for Universal Credit.
- People with certain conditions, pregnant women and war pensioners need a valid exemption certificate from a GP, and others can cut costs with low‑income HC2/HC3 help or a prepayment certificate, with NHSBSA guidance available and penalties for false claims.