This increase will only make things worse for those people already going without medication because they cannot afford the cost

National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux

A survey by the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (NACB) published last summer found around 750,000 people in England and Wales fail to get their prescriptions dispensed because of the cost.

Under the current exemption and remission arrangements 85% of prescription items are dispensed free of charge.

However, 80% of those aged 18 to 60 have to pay the full cost.

Disappointment

An NACB spokesperson told BBC News Online: "This increase will only make things worse for those people already going without medication because they cannot afford the cost.

"We are extremely disappointed that the government has announced this increase without any parallel reforms to prevent anyone going without drugs because of cost."

It appears that Labour's attacks on prescription charge rises whilst in opposition were only pure political cynicism

Dr Liam Fox

Patients can purchase pre-payment certificates - effectively season tickets - that allow unlimited prescriptions.

They cost £32.40 for four months and £89.00 for 12 months.

However, the NACB argue that this is too much for some people to find in one lump sum, and wants a system of gradual payments to be introduced.

Dr Liam Fox, shadow health secretary, said: "It appears that Labour's attacks on prescription charge rises whilst in opposition were only pure political cynicism.

"While we understand the need to supplement the income of the health service, through prescription charges, in order to maximise health income, voters will wonder if £6.20 was what they elected Tony Blair for."

Regressive tax

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Dr Evan Harris was also critical of the decision to increase the prescription charge.

He said: "Prescription charges fall particularly heavily on those who just fail to meet the exemption criteria. They are a regressive tax on the sick.

"Liberal Democrats are committed to freezing prescription charges but the government is clearly committed to raising them."

However, Health Minister Hazel Blears said: "For the fourth consecutive year we have held the increase to 10p.

"This modest increase will help maintain the contribution that charges make towards the cost of the NHS".

The price of prescriptions has risen by 10p a year for each of the previous three years.