12/03/2014

Prescription Charges To Rise In England

The price of the National Health Service (NHS) prescriptions and dental treatments is to increase in England according to the Health Minister, Norman Lamb.

Mr Lamb said the increases were justified because there are more demands and the spending on medicines alone is the double of 2000.

NHS prescriptions are going to rise by 20p in April and again next year while NHS dental charges will also increase by up to £5 from 1 April.

It is also intended that the single charge will increase by 20p to £8.25 in the following year.

However, for the next two years the cost of a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) will remain at £29.10 for a 3 month certificate. The cost of the annual certificate will remain at £104.

PPCs offer savings for those needing 4 or more items in 3 months or 13 or more items in one year.

Mr Lamb said in the statement directed to MPs: "This government has made tough decisions to protect the NHS budget and increase it in real terms, but charges for some items remain an important source of revenue to support the delivery of high quality NHS services."

(CVS)

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