VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Prescriptions: Fees and Charges

Asked by James NaishLabourDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 9 January 2025UIN 22114

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will simplify the process for obtaining Maternity Exception Certificates.

Answered by Karin Smyth

There are no plans to revise the application process for maternity exemption certificates that provide entitlement to free National Health Service prescriptions. The NHS Business Services Authority has advised that in 2024, 48,063 Penalty Charge Notices were issued to those who indicated they held a valid maternity exemption certificate that could not be validated.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim