Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to encourage pharmacies to register for the Real Time Exemption Checking Service.

The Real Time Exemption Checking Service in England (RTEC) helps pharmacy teams confirm whether a patient holds a valid exemption from National Health Service prescription charges quickly. The Department supports the use of the RTEC and recognises the benefits this assurance provides in assuring patients and pharmacy teams that exemptions are being claimed correctly.

As of 8 May 2025, the total number of active Electronic Prescription Service Pharmacies using the RTEC is 10,254, which equates to 90.94% of all such pharmacies.

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), who manages the RTEC system, promotes its use through their website, webinars, and communications to contractors, including via their Hints and Tips bulletin, which is available to pharmacy contractors, dispensing doctors, prescribing-only general practitioners, and appliance contractors. The NHSBSA also promotes uptake by engaging with integrated care boards, pharmacy groups, and individual pharmacies.