Major change to NHS prescription charges will affect every Brit in first shake up for 12 years

CHARGES for NHS prescriptions are to be frozen for the first time in 12 years to ‘put money back in people’s pockets’.

At present, Brits have to pay £9.35 for a single prescription for their medication.

The Department of Health said that charges would usually rise with inflation.

But the cost of living crisis currently facing millions has pushed the Conservatives to leave rates unchanged.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “The rise in the cost of living has been unavoidable as we face global challenges and the repercussions of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.

“Whilst we can’t completely prevent these rises, where we can help we absolutely will.

“This is why I am freezing prescription charges to help ease some of these pressures and put money back in people’s pockets.”

The plan is set to save Brits up to £17 million, with single prescriptions remaining at £9.35, while a three-month prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) stays at £30.25.

Twelve-month PPCs will remain at £108.10 and can be paid for in instalments.

Many Brits are eligible for free prescriptions, including those over 60, under 16, and those 16 to 18 in full time education.

You also get your prescriptions for free if you’re pregnant or have a medication exemption certificate.

The freezing of prescription costs comes as Brits have been forced to make swaps and changes to their daily lives as energy bills have soared in recent months.

At the opening of parliament last week, the Government laid out that the cost of living crisis was a priority.

Ministers announced the Energy Security Bill – which would mean the energy price cap would continue beyond 2023.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson had previously urged ministers to ‘get creative’ to ease the pressure on household budgets due to soaring global prices.

Millions of women have also been struggling to get hold of their Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) due to shortages.

Women who are going through the menopause will often suffer with symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, vaginal dryness and night sweats.

HRT is prescribed to help alleviate these symptoms – but prescriptions are now twice as widespread as five years ago.

Brits are also dealing with a shortage of hay fever medication.

Boots and Superdrug both confirmed there is a shortage of an ingredient called chlorphenamine maleate.

It’s the active ingredient in hay fever remedies including Piriton, Allercalm, Allerief, Hayleve and Pollenase, and some pharmacy-branded pills.