FOI-03936

##Request _I’m submitting a freedom of information request. I am happy to receive the answers for this equest via email._ _If you have any points that need clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me._ _Questions_ _1. How many Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were issued to patients who incorrectly claimed free prescriptions, per year from 2020 to 2025?_ _2. What number of these were identified through the Real Time Exception Checking Service (RTEC), in these time periods (where the RTEC was in use)?_ ##Response I can confirm that the NHSBSA holds some of the information you have requested. ___Question 1: How many Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were issued to patients who incorrectly claimed free prescriptions, per year from 2020 to 2025?___ I can confirm that the NHSBSA holds this information, and a copy of the information is attached. ___Question 2: What number of these were identified through the Real Time Exception Checking Service (RTEC), in these time periods (where the RTEC was in use)?___ I am writing to advise you that following a search of our paper and electronic records, I have established that the information you requested is not held by the NHSBSA. The requested information is not held in a format that would enable a reliable response to be provided. Any information produced from such a comparison would therefore be incomplete. __Data Queries__ Please contact [email protected] ensuring you quote the above reference if you have any specific questions regarding this response; or, if you feel you may be misunderstanding or misinterpreting the information; or, if you plan on publishing the data. Reusing the data and copyright If you plan on producing a press or broadcast story based upon the data please contact [email protected] . This is important to ensure that the figures are not misunderstood or misrepresented. The information supplied to you continues to be protected by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and is subject to NHSBSA copyright. This information is licenced under the terms of the Open Government Licence detailed at: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/ Should you wish to re-use the information you must include the following statement: “NHSBSA Copyright 2026” This information is licenced under the terms of the Open Government Licence: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/ Failure to do so is a breach of the terms of the licence. Information you receive which is not subject to NHSBSA Copyright continues to be protected by the copyright of the person, or organisation, from which the information originated. Please obtain their permission before reproducing any third party (non NHSBSA Copyright) information.