We have slammed the latest increase in NHS patient charges, stressing these ‘stealth cuts’ will not put a penny into the cash-strapped service.
Charges in England will rise by an average of 1.7% from 1 April 2026. This will mean the cost of a band 1 treatment like a check-up will increase from £27.40 to £27.90, a band 2 like a filling will increase from £75.30 to £76.60, and a band 3 like dentures will increase from £326.70 to £332.10.
PM Keir Starmer recently claimed “we are supporting families and putting money back in your pocket” by freezing in prescription charges, stating that “no one’s health should be put at risk because they can’t afford medication.” It is scandalous not to apply this logic to oral health.
While below the level of inflation, it looks like the Government is aping its Conservative predecessors, using an increase in charges as a substitute for state investment. NHS dentistry’s budget has been effectively static at around £3bn for 15 years, with patient charges forming an ever-greater share of the total pot until COVID.
If government contributions had risen at same rate as patient charges since the time of the Coalition Government, there would be sufficient resource in the pot to eliminate unmet need for dental care in England, which now stands at nearly 14 million adults.
Polling we undertook in 2023 found nearly a quarter of respondents in England delayed or went without NHS dental treatment for reasons of cost. Price shaped the choice of treatment opted for by 45% of respondents.
Entitlements to free care are limited and complex, with many Universal Credit recipients not being eligible.
“This hike is a slap in the face to millions on modest incomes,” says General Dental Practice Committee Chair Shiv Pabary.
“It won’t put a penny into a service on its knees. Patients will pay more, simply so ministers can pay less.
“The Prime Minister claims he wants to ‘put money back into voters’ pockets.’
He needs to explain these choices to the pensioners who will pay an extra fiver towards their next set of dentures.”
We are continuing to campaign for sustainable funding, exposing the impact of savage cuts on our members and the millions they treat.