On Wednesday 2 March the Scottish Parliament voted to abolish prescription charges from 1 April 201. However on Monday 7 March 2011 the Department of Health announced an increase in prescription charges in England.
There will be an increase in the prescription charge of 20 pence from £7.20 to £7.40 for each quantity of a drug or appliance dispensed. The cost of a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) will rise to £29.10 for a three month certificate. The cost of the annual certificate will remain at £104.
The Prescription Charge Coalition comments:
We are extremely disappointed in the decision to increase prescription charges for people in England, particularly when the rest of the UK will no longer have to pay at all. For people in England with long-term conditions this is a severe blow. Even before the financial crisis, 34% of people with asthma were forced to choose between medicine and other essential items due to cost. The Government says it is being tough but fair. This increase is tough, but extremely unfair because those with long-term conditions and the poorest will be hit hardest. Those who can afford to purchase an annual Pre-Payment Certificate (PPC) will not see a rise in charges; however those on lower incomes who are forced to buy individual prescriptions or three month PPCs will take on the burden of this increase. This increase is unfair and potentially life-threatening for those who cannot afford vital medicines.