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Steroid Drugs: Prescriptions

Asked by Damien EganLabourDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 30 March 2026UIN 123270

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, which national body has responsibility for routinely auditing prescribing data to identify GP repeat-prescribing of topical corticosteroids that is (a) long-term and (b) high-potency.

Answered by Dr Zubir Ahmed

The NHS Business Services Authority collects and publishes prescribing data for primary care in England. NHS England and the Department do not routinely audit data to identify general practice repeat-prescribing of topical corticosteroids that is long-term and high-potency. Responsibility for reviewing repeat prescribing practices sits with individual practices and their commissioners, who are expected to ensure prescribing is safe, appropriate, and in line with relevant clinical guidance.

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