Free prescriptions: England pays while Scotland & Wales do not – ‘unfair!’ | Personal Finance | Finance
Free prescriptions have become an increasingly controversial topic recently. The age at which a person can receive a free prescription in England currently sits at 60.
However, proposals are being considered which could mean this age rises to align with state pension age.
It would mean hundreds of thousands of people may have to meet a £9.35 per item charge.
But aside from the potential age change, many people have highlighted discrepancies across the UK, describing them as “unfair”.
This is because those resident in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are able to secure a prescription for free regardless of circumstance, while those living in England have to pay.
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“We can’t have them? Neither can anybody else. Sort it out Johnson.”
Maggie Rob agreed with this sentiment, adding: “I am Scottish and find it totally unfair. Everyone should get free prescriptions or no one.”
While JohnBro1 remarked: “This has got to stop. The Tories are taking the English taxpayers for a ride.”
TezerMac stated: “It’s like the bus passes. Why do London, Scotland and Wales get free passes at 60?
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson recently told Express.co.uk: “Around 90 percent of community prescription items in England are free of charge, and people don’t pay if they are on a low income, over 60, or have certain medical conditions.
“The upper age exemption has not changed since 1995 and that is why we have consulted on restoring the link between this and the state pension age.
“We are considering the responses carefully and will respond in due course.
“Extensive arrangements are already in place to help people afford NHS prescriptions.”
