Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that families on low incomes have access to adequate sun protection products; and if he will ensure that free sun protection products are available to people who are exempt from paying for prescriptions.

Sun protection products are not classified as medicines or medical devices. Products which are not medicines or medical devices may be prescribed by clinicians, taking into account appropriate national and local guidance on clinical and cost effectiveness. For example, NHS England guidance states that sun protection should not routinely be prescribed in primary care as the condition is appropriate for self-care. However, Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances (ACBS) approved sun protection products for the indication of photodermatoses are listed in part XV of the Drug Tariff and are appropriate for being prescribed for this purpose, the list available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/otc-guidance-for-ccgs.pdf

It is for the general practitioner or other responsible clinician to work with their patient and decide on the course of treatment, with the provision of the most clinically appropriate care for the individual always being the primary consideration. Clinicians are accountable for their prescribing decisions, both professionally and to their service commissioners.

Almost 89% of prescription items in England are already provided free of charge, including to those in receipt of qualifying benefits or tax credits. For those not exempt from charges, prescription pre-payment certificates can be used to cap costs at around £2 a week for regular prescriptions. People on low incomes can apply for help with their health costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme. The Scheme provides income related help to people who are not automatically exempt from charges but who may be entitled to full or partial help if they have a low income and savings below a defined limit.