Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reasons people with asthma are charged for their medication; and if he will make a statement.

Unless a valid exemption has been declared the current statutory applicable charge of £8.80 is payable for each prescription item, dispensed in the community in England.

Asthma is not listed as a medical condition that provides exemption from National Health Service prescription charges. However, there are extensive arrangements in place to help people afford NHS prescriptions. These include a broad range of non-medical prescription charge exemptions, for which someone with asthma may qualify. The Department has no current plans to amend or extend these exemptions.

People on a low income, who do not qualify for an exemption, may be eligible for full or partial help with prescription charges through application to the NHS Low Income Scheme.

To support those with greatest need who do not qualify for an exemption or the NHS Low Income Scheme, prescription prepayment certificates are available. A holder of a 12-month certificate can get all the prescriptions they need for just £2 per week.