1952  Prescription charges are first introduced on a universal basis. The move prompts the resignation of NHS founder Aneurin Bevan, who feels the charge undermines the principle of a free health service

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1959  The prescription charge rises from one shilling per item to two shillings per item

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1965  Prime minister Harold Wilson abolishes the prescription charge

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1968  Harold Wilson is forced to reintroduce the charge, but sets out exemptions based on age, income and medical conditions

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1971  The prescription charge is 20p and there is no increase for another eight years

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1979 Prescription charges increase to 45p and start to rise much faster than inflation

 

 

1980  Prescription charge reaches £1

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1990  Controversy rises over government plans to raise prescription charge to £3.05

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1997  Department of Health publishes report on how to reduce fraudulent claims for free prescriptions. It contains 100 recommendations, including incorporating UV fibre and anti-photocopying features into FP10 forms

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2000  Prescriptions cost £6 per item

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2006  Health select committee brands exemptions to the charge “confusing” and out of date

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2007 Wales abolishes prescription charge

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2008 Prime minister Gordon Brown pledges to exempt people with long-term conditions from the prescription charge. The pledge is never fulfilled

 

 

2010 Northern Ireland abolishes prescription charge

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2011 Scotland abolishes prescription charge. The charge is £7.40 in England.

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2012 Prescription charge rises to £7.65 in England

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2013 Prescription charge rises to £7.85 in England

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2014 Prescription charge rises to £8.05 in England

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2015 Government calls on pharmacists in England to police fraudulent free prescription claims

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Sources: The King’s Fund: A new settlement for health and social care; HSCIC: Prescriptions dispensed in the community 2003-13; The Prescription Charges Coalition: Paying the Price: Prescription charges and people with long-term conditions