Rise is below inflation rate

It is estimated that prescription charges alone will generate more than �400m for the health service next year.

The cost of a prescription prepayment certificate will also rise - by 50p to �33.90 for four months, and �1.40 to �93.20 for a 12-months.

NHS dentistry charges will also go up, with the maximum cost for a single course of treatment rising �6 to �384.

Rosie Winterton, the Public Health Minister, said the rise in the prescription charge was "modest".

"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% of prescription items are dispensed free, with another 5% dispensed to people with prepayment certificates at no additional charge.

"This modest increase will contribute �452m towards the cost of the NHS."

Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley criticised the announcement.

He 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."

Criticism

The National Pharmaceutical Association (NPA) condemned the latest rise in prescription charges.

NPA chief executive John D'Arcy 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.