PETITIONOpenPetition · petition.parliament.uk
Fund free NHS prescriptions for students and under-25s in England
Extend free NHS prescriptions in England to students and everyone under 25, recognising the financial vulnerability of young people and bringing England closer in line with the rest of the UK.
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk
Signatures
160
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 160/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 160/100,000
Background
Students and young people often live on very limited incomes, with loans that barely cover rent. Prescription charges force some to delay treatment, ration medication, or not collect it at all. In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free. England should follow and ensure access to healthcare is based on need, not the balance in your bank account.