Above-inflation increases in NHS charges

Charges in Wales will increase from April 1, from £13.50 to £14 for band 1 treatments, including basic check-ups (a 3.9 per cent increase); from £43 to £44 for band 2 treatments like fillings (a 2.3 per cent increase); and from £185 to £195 for band 3 treatments like crowns, dentures and bridges (a whopping 5.4 per cent increase). 

Data from the last Adult Dental Health Survey revealed nearly 400,000 people in Wales have delayed or avoided dental treatment because of costs. Recent research in England has suggested fees place significant pressure on GP and accident and emergency services, as patients seek out services that are not subject to charges. 

In the official memorandum heralding the increase, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport, Vaughan Gethin, said he was, "satisfied that the benefits outweigh any costs". The BDA has consistently called on parties to maintain the freeze on charge levels and asked for NHS dental treatment to be made genuinely affordable. No official consultation was run.