Government freezes the charge

Prescription charges have been frozen for 2025/26. 

The Department of Health and Social Care have confirmed that the cost of a single prescription will be frozen for the next 12 months, the first time in three years. The cost of a 3 or 12 month Prescription Prepayment Certificate has also been frozen. 

While we are pleased that the cost of a single prescription will stay below £10, many people living with long-term conditions, who are not exempt, have told us that the charge is still unaffordable. 

Laura Cockram, Head of Campaigns at Parkinson's UK and Chair of the Prescription Charges Coalition, said:
"No one should have to worry about affording the medication they need to stay well, so although a freeze on prescription charges is more welcome than an increase it’s not enough. 

“Unlike in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, people in England with Parkinson’s and other long-term conditions still have to pay for the prescriptions they need to manage their health. The UK government must rethink. At the least, the government should review the prescription charge exemption list so people with long-term conditions like Parkinson’s, MS, asthma, HIV don't have to pay an ill health tax."

We will continue to campaign for the government to review the exemption list and scrap the charge for people with long-term conditions in England.

From 28 April 2025, people in England will continue to pay:

• £9.90 per single prescription item
• £32.05 for a 3 month Prescription Prepayment Certificate
• ​£114.50 for a 12 month Prescription Prepayment Certificate
• £19.30 for the Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) prescription  ​

​NHS surgical bras, wigs, abdominal or spinal supports are also frozen. You can find out more about these costs on the government’s website. 
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If you would like to find out more about the Prescription Prepayment Certificate or need help with prescription costs, please visit the NHS Business Services Authority website

Speak out about the charge
If you’re affected by prescription charges and want to speak out please share your story with the Coalition by emailing [email protected] or contact your local MP. 

You could download our guide that includes all you need to arrange and prepare for a meeting with your MP.