I am writing to confirm that I have now completed my search for the information which you requested.

Request

You asked us:

In 2018-19 and 2024-25, could you tell me:

1. The volume of all NHS prescriptions processed by NHS BSA.

2. The administrative (processing) costs incurred by NHSBSA associated with all submitted prescriptions.

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) received your request on 11 November 2025.

We have handled your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA).

Our response

Question 1 - The volume of all NHS prescriptions processed by NHS BSA.

Under Section 21 of the FOIA we are not required to provide information in response to a request if it is already reasonably accessible to you.

The information you requested is available on the NHSBSA website:

• data for 2018/19 can be found at: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/statistical-collections/prescription-cost-analysis-england/prescription-cost-analysis-england-2019. Use Table A1 in the 'Additional tables' file to find the total number of items.

• data for 2024/25 can be found at: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/statistical-collections/prescription-cost-analysis-england/prescription-cost-analysis-england-202425

Please see the following link to view the section 21 in full: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/36/section/21

Advice and assistance

Under the Resource List heading, the Additional tables (table A1) provide Total items (cost, number of items and cost per person, 2015/2016 to 2024/2025).

Question 2 - The administrative (processing) costs incurred by NHSBSA associated with all submitted prescriptions.

In the financial year of 2018/19 the administrative cost incurred was £13.49 million.

In the financial year of 2024/25 the administrative cost incurred was £11.51 million.