NHS prescription charge in England will increase by 20 pence from £7.85 to £8.05 for each quantity of a drug or appliance from April 1.

It is also intended that the single charge will increase by 20 pence 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 four or more items in three months or 13 or more items in one year.

In England, around 90 per cent of prescription items are dispensed free.

This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:

  • those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
  • those who are age exempt
  • those with certain medical conditions

More information is available at NHS Choices

The dental charge payable for: 

  • band 1 course of treatment will increase by 50 pence from £18 to £18.50
  • band 2 course of treatment will increase by £1.50 from £49 to £50.50
  • band 3 course of treatment will increase by £5 from £214 to £219