No change to prescription charges for 2010-2011

The Minister of State, Department of Health (Mike O’Brien) has issued the following statement:

“I am announcing a freeze in prescription charges for 2010-11.

The prescription charge will remain unchanged at £7.20 for each quantity of a drug or appliance dispensed. The cost of a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) will remain at £104.00 for an annual certificate. PPCs offer savings to those who need frequent prescriptions throughout the year. The cost of the 3 month PPC, which is useful for those with a shorter term need for prescription items, will remain at £28.25.

Alongside this, I am confirming that we will not be introducing any changes to the age exemption criteria for free prescriptions in April 2010. We are considering how best to implement changes to the age at which people qualify for free prescriptions, in line with the changes to state pension age for women”.