Community pharmacies across England have welcomed a new government funding agreement, prompting some to postpone planned protest actions. The deal, aimed at addressing longstanding financial pressures, includes a rise in funding from £2.7bn this year to £3.1bn in 2025/26, along with additional support services such as mental health consultations, blood pressure checks, and free access to the morning-after pill.
In light of the announcement, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), which represents thousands of pharmacies, has delayed protest plans that were due to begin this week. These included reduced opening hours and potential weekend closures. While describing the package as a "step forward", the NPA highlighted that it still falls short of the funding levels needed to fully sustain the sector.
Pharmacies have faced mounting pressures from rising workloads, stagnant funding, and increasing costs - including higher employer National Insurance contributions. The sector has long warned of looming closures, with many describing the situation as "critical" and unsustainable without urgent intervention.
As part of the package, the government will also write off £193 million in pharmacy sector debt. While the move has been cautiously welcomed, industry leaders stress that more comprehensive reform is needed. The Independent Pharmacies Association said the deal is welcome but "will not stop closures", citing persistent underfunding and rising overheads.
