Prescription charges frozen

The government announced a freeze on prescription charges, keeping the cost at £9.90.

In addition, the government will freeze the three-month prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) at £32.05 and keep the 12-month PPC at £114.50 for 2025-2026.

Groups exempt from prescription charges include:

• Children under 16 and those in full-time education aged 16 to 18
• People aged 60 and over
• Pregnant women and those who have had a baby in the last 12 months
• People with specified medical conditions like diabetes or cancer and who have valid exemption certificates
• Those receiving qualifying benefits, including Universal Credit (with criteria)
• NHS inpatients.

The freeze will also apply to NHS wigs and fabric supports - these prices will remain at current levels:

• Surgical bra: £32.50
• Abdominal or spinal support: £49.05
• Stock modacrylic wig: £80.15
• Partial human hair wig: £212.35
• Full bespoke human hair wig: £310.55.

More information is available here.