Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he last reviewed the prescription charge exemption list; and if he will review that list in 2023 in the context of the recent increase in prescription charges.

The prescription charge exemption list was last reviewed in 2009, with the addition of cancer.

While the Department has no plans to review the exemption list, there are a wide range of exemptions from prescription charges already in place for those with the greatest need. Approximately 89% of prescription items are currently dispensed free of charge.

In addition, those on a low income can apply for additional support through the NHS Low Income Scheme. This provides both full and partial help with a range of health costs, not just prescription charges. Those who do not qualify for low-income help, may benefit from the purchase of a prescription pre-payment certificate. This caps the cost of prescriptions at £111.60 per year, helping people to get all the medicines they need for just over £2 per week.