Review of Prescription Charges

Simon Burns Excerpts

Thursday 27th May 2010 Written Statements

[The Minister of State, Department of Health (Mr Simon Burns)]

In 2008 Professor Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicians, was asked to lead a review on how a prescription charge exemption for people with long-term conditions should be implemented, including how it would be phased in. He reported in November 2009.

I wish to thank Professor Ian Gilmore for his work on the report, which we are publishing today. He has undertaken a thorough analysis of the issues and has considered carefully the views of patient representative groups, charities and other interested parties.



Any decisions on future changes to the system of prescription charges and exemptions would need to be taken in the context of the next spending review, which is due to report in the autumn.

Professor Gilmore’s report has been placed in the Library and copies are available for hon. Members in the Vote Office.