Overview
- The single‑item NHS prescription price will remain £9.90 from April, with three‑month, 12‑month and HRT prepayment certificates also frozen for 2026/27.
- Rachel Reeves confirmed the decision ahead of the November 26 Autumn Budget as part of priorities focused on living costs, NHS performance and public finances.
- Officials say around 89% of prescriptions are already free under age, income and medical exemptions, with additional help available through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
- Pharmacy leaders welcomed the freeze but renewed calls to abolish charges, noting England is the only UK nation where most adults still pay and urging people to check exemptions or PPCs.
- Government statements cite waiting lists down by about 230,000 year on year, while some reports estimate prescription charges typically raise roughly £600 million annually.