Government Extends Free Prescriptions, Dental and Eye Care to All Care Experienced People Until 25

Care experienced people in England will receive free prescriptions, and dental and eye services up to their 25th birthday, the government have announced.

This is brilliant news and an outstanding statement of commitment from the government to the state’s children.

The health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “Those in care face the toughest start in life and as a result suffer from a barrage of health inequalities, hampering their chances of going on to lead a happy, successful and fulfilling life.”

Josh MacAlister, the minister for children, families and wellbeing, said: “The disadvantage faced by children who’ve grown up in care is a huge social injustice. That’s why we’re taking cross-government action to transform life chances for these children and care leavers. This package of health measures will make a tangible difference to reduce health inequalities, keep more children safe and help more families with intensive support. It also delivers on recommendations from the independent review of children’s social care that I published in 2022. This government is delivering meaningful change to break down barriers to opportunity, especially for those in care.”

The new Childrens Minister has achieved more in 4 months than the 11 previous Ministers did in the 8 years since the excellent Ed Timpson left the post.

2026 promises to be a transformative year in the sector with more Regional Care Co-Ops being launched, the proposed Child Protection Authority being created and the forthcoming children’s wellbeing and schools bill being passed. This will enshrine in law a requirement for the government and public bodies to take into account the challenges faced by children in care and care leavers and the support they may need when leaving the care system.