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Scrap 'unfair' prescription charges in England, say pharmacies
- The National Pharmacy Association urged the Chancellor to abolish prescription charges in England, calling the policy a "cruel tax on illness." A survey found 79% of the public consider the charges "unfair" compared to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- A Savanta poll of 1,781 adults discovered that 10% of people in England have gone without prescribed medicine over the last year due to cost. Another 12% delayed collecting prescriptions for the same financial reason.
- The NPA estimated £732.8 million was raised by prescription charges in 2025/26 from 11.6 million patients. While prepayment certificates can reduce costs, 30% of the population have never heard of them, and only 8% currently hold one.
- Pharmacists report patients asking "which is the most important one to take?" when holding multiple medicines. Sarah Sleet, chief executive of Asthma and Lung UK, said patients with respiratory conditions are "paying for their right to breathe."
- Dr. James Davies of Community Pharmacy England said the Chancellor has an opportunity in this Budget to remove these costs. Laura Cockram of Parkinson's UK urged the Government to scrap charges and tackle health inequalities.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources8
Leaning Left3Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution43% Left, 43% Center
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Left, 43% of the sources are Center
43% Center
L 43%
C 43%
14%
Factuality
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