Today the cost of an NHS prescription will increase, rising from £9.65 to £9.90 per item in England.
A 12-month NHS prescription prepayment certificate, which covers all NHS prescriptions for a set price, increases from £111.60 to £114.50.Â
Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society said prescription charges in England should be scrapped.
 “This is a dark day for patients. Amid the cost of living crisis, the rise in prescription charges will hit working people on low incomes the hardest. The relentless annual increase in the prescription charge is making medicines unaffordable for many. This is totally unacceptable.
Every day pharmacists are asked by patients who are unable to afford all the items in their prescription which ones they can ‘do without.'"
     Tase Oputu, Chairman - Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Full details of the new charges from 1 May 2024:
Item | Current charge (1 April 2023 to 30 April 2024) | Charge from 1 May 2024 | Change in £ |
Single prescription charge | £9.65 | £9.90 | £0.25 |
3-month PPC | £31.25 | £32.05 | £0.80 |
12-month PPC | £111.60 | £114.50 | £2.90 |
HRT PPC | £19.30 | £19.80 | £0.50 |
Surgical bra | £31.70 | £32.50 | £0.80 |
Abdominal or spinal support | £47.80 | £49.05 | £1.25 |
Stock acrylic wig | £78.15 | £80.15 | £2.00 |
Partial human hair wig | £207.00 | £212.35 | £5.35 |
Full bespoke human hair wig | £302.70 | £310.55 | £7.85 |
The cost of living crisis has put many people under financial strain, and prescription costs are more than some can afford. There is help out there to help you cover the cost of your medication.
See if you are eligible for help
The Government has a five-minute online survey that will let you know if you can get free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment and eye tests.
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More information and advice
For more information and support paying for your prescriptions, check out the following resources:
This leaflet for patients provides information on services that can help with health costs
NHS help with costs helpline – 0300 330 1343