Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to update national guidance for ICBs on gluten free prescription, including for people on low incomes.

There are no plans to change the current national guidance for integrated care boards (ICBs) on gluten‑free prescribing. In England, gluten‑free bread and mixes may be prescribed for people with coeliac disease, with eligible products listed in Part XV of the Drug Tariff. Prescriptions may be issued following a shared decision between prescriber and patient, taking account of local and national guidance.

Under current legislation, ICBs may restrict product choice or end gluten‑free prescribing where this is appropriate for their population, while meeting their legal duties on equality and reducing health inequalities. As autonomous bodies, ICBs determine local prescribing policies within their allocated resources.

NHS prescription charge exemptions support those with the greatest need. People on low incomes who do not qualify for an exemption can access help through the NHS Low Income Scheme or use prescription prepayment certificates, which allow unlimited prescriptions for a fixed cost.