Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make it his policy to abolish charges for prescriptions in England; and if he will make a statement.

The Government has no plans to abolish prescription charges in England.

Approximately 89% of National Health Service prescription items are dispensed free of charge due to the comprehensive prescription exemption arrangements we already have in place, including exemptions for those on qualifying benefits.

Prescription pre-payment certificates (PPCs) are available to reduce costs for those who need regular or many prescriptions. The cost of a 12-month PPC remains at £111.60 which can be paid in instalments, to allow people receive their required medicines for just over £2 a week. A three-month PPC and a PPC for hormone replacement therapy medicines are also available. People on a low income who do not qualify for an exemption may be eligible for help with prescription charges through the NHS Low Income Scheme.