An increase in prescription charges of 10 pence has been announced by health minister Rosie Winterton.

The charge for a single prescription item is to rise to £6.50 on April 1, 2005.

The cost of prescription prepayment certificates will rise 50 pence to £33.90 for a four month certificate, and increase £1.40 (to £93.20) for a 12 month certificate.

The maximum patient charge for a single course of dental treatment will increase from £378 to £384, applicable to only two in every 1,000 courses of treatment.

To help those on low incomes and those with complex sight problems, with the cost of glasses or contact lenses, optical voucher values will rise by 2.5 per cent.

Government Response: Department of Health

Rosie Winterton, health minister, said: "We have held the increase to 10 pence for the seventh consecutive year, well below the rate of inflation to ensure that people can get the prescriptions they need, at prices they can afford.

"Through our extensive exemption arrangements, 86 per cent of prescription items are dispensed free, with another five per cent dispensed to people with prepayment certificates at no additional charge.

"This modest increase will contribute £452 million towards the cost of the NHS."

Party Response: Conservative

Andrew Lansley shadow health secretary said:"From the government that brought you the promise of free healthcare and accused the Conservatives of wanting to introduce charges, comes this announcement of higher NHS charges."

Stakeholder Response: National Pharmaceutical Association

John D'Arcy, NPA chief executive, said: "We know that prescription charges deter many people from getting medicines which their doctor prescribes.

"Patients on multiple medications may be forced to make their own, potentially ill-informed decisions about which medicines to forego.

"This could lead to a second visit to their GP or, if their untreated condition deteriorated, even costly hospital treatment. Sufferers of chronic conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis and multiple sclerosis risk their lives because they cannot afford the treatment they need."