11 March 2014 -The price of NHS prescriptions is to rise by 20p in April and again next year.

NHS dental charges will also increase by up to £5 from 1 April.

In a statement, Health Minister Norman Lamb said the increases were justified given the increasing demands on the NHS, with spending on medicines alone almost doubling since 2000.

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have scrapped all prescription charges.Around 90% of prescriptions in England are currently dispensed free of charge.

There are exemptions for people on low incomes, children and the over 60s.

The current prescription charge is £7.85.

For more details, go to: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-26529262