The cost of a prescription in England will be frozen for the first time in three years, the government has announced.(Image: Getty Images)

In what marks the first halt in price raises for three years, NHS prescription charges in England will remain below £10. Labour leader Keir Starmer hailed the decision as “significant”, while Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the freeze will “put money back into the pockets of millions of patients” with an anticipated £18 million in savings.

After last year’s increase of about 2.6%, the current charge stands at £9.90; however, this year the government will implement a cost freeze.

The majority of prescriptions, around 89 percent, are dispensed free to certain demographics such as children and expectant mothers, but this freeze is set to benefit those who regularly foot the bill for their medication. The Department of Health and Social Care also confirmed that both three-month and annual prescription pre-payment certificates (PPCs) will maintain their current prices for 2025/26.

Hence, the cost for a three-month PPC will continue at £32.05, while the price for a whole year will remain set at £114.50. Moreover, the price of the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) certificate is to be held steady as well.

On Monday, Mr. Starmer expressed his approval: “Today we are freezing prescription charges so that means they won’t go over £10 and that is really significant, because very many people have to pay for prescriptions. There’s a sort of cost-of-living crisis that is still very challenging for people, so this is an important measure in that.”, reports the Mirror.

“It’s not the only measure of course – we are taking steps on school uniforms to limit the cost of school uniforms, we’re driving up the minimum wage, we’ve got breakfast clubs coming on stream, that’s something we announced last week, which will save families about £450. Each of these, in their incremental way, will ease the pressure that people feel because of the cost-of-living crisis.”

Mr Streeting stated: “This government’s plan for change will always put working people first, and our moves today to freeze prescription charges will put money back into the pockets of millions of patients.

“Fixing our NHS will be a long road – but by working closer with our pharmacies we’re saving money and shifting care to the community where it’s closer to your home. We made the difficult but necessary choices at the Budget to fund moves like this and change our NHS so it can once again be there for you when you need it.”

Chancellor Rachel Reeves added: “We promised to build an NHS fit for the future, and that started with the £26 billion funding boost I delivered at the Budget, to repair and improve the many vital services it provides.

“Since then, waiting lists are falling, staff are better paid and supported, and today, £18 million has been kept in patient’s pockets by freezing prescription charges – easing the cost of living through our Plan for Change, delivering for all.”