Prescription charges will rise to nearly £10 next month as pharmacy bosses accuse the government of increasing ‘a tax on the vulnerable’

Prescription costs will rise to almost £10 from next month.

The cost of a single prescription will rise by 25p, from £9.65 to £9.90 from May 1, officials have confirmed.

An annual supply of HRT drugs for menopausal women, introduced a year ago to cut costs, will rise from £19.30 to £19.80.

The prescription prepaid certificate (PPC), for those who do not qualify for free medicines, will increase from £111.60 to £114.50 annually.

Last night pharmaceutical leaders accused ministers of raising “a tax on the vulnerable”.

Janet Morrison, chief executive of Community Pharmacy England, said: ‘Once again, community pharmacies must be the bearers of bad news as the Government decides to increase the cost of NHS prescriptions.

“As the cost of living continues to put pressure on society’s most vulnerable, many patients will have to make excruciating decisions about which medications they can afford.”

Approximately £600 million in revenue is generated each year from prescription charges in England for the provision of NHS services.

The Department of Health and Social Care said it had taken steps to help with the cost of prescriptions and that almost 89 per cent of items in England were provided free of charge.

NHS prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. There are few salary exemptions for patients in England, including those aged 16-18 and in full-time education or patients once they turn 60.

Pharmacy leaders accused ministers of increasing “a tax on the vulnerable” (stock)

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said:

‘Almost nine in ten items are available for free on NHS England and we provide a wide range of support to ensure everyone who needs a prescription can afford it.

‘Those on low incomes, over 60 or with qualifying medical conditions such as cancer, epilepsy and diabetes qualify for exemptions, as do children and pregnant women.

“Where charges exist, it is important that prices are updated regularly to ensure the NHS maintains a sustainable business model and can continue to provide excellent patient care.”