Key Summary
- The NPA is focusing on securing the strongest settlement for pharmacies through sustained pressure and engagement with the government.
- The IPA wants a cross-sector summit to have a unified sector approach.
- The CPCF talks began on February 27, but the contents of the DHSC’s opening letter to CPE have not been made public.
With the consultations for 2026/7 Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) currently underway, various pharmacy organisations are deliberating on ways to highlight the challenges they face and make their voices heard in the corridors of power.
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) board met last week to consider how to maintain pressure on the Government to invest in pharmacies.
The NPA chair, Olivier Picard, stated in a LinkedIn post, "We are clear that we will continue the strongest possible pressure – in the media, in Parliament, direct to officials and through sector bodies, to secure a deal that makes progress towards bridging the yawning gap between the cost of NHS services and the funding the NHS is willing to give us.
"This is no time to weaken our resolve or limit the options available to us. Our resolve is clear – the NPA team has done huge amounts to put our case to the widest possible audience, as last month’s open letter to Wes Streeting – signed by 3,500 pharmacies – showed.
"Some claim that we’re advocating for service expansion and prescribing over funding for medicines. They are wrong. We need proper funding for the medicine supply. Full stop. You can’t rob Peter to pay Paul.
"But we also need new money to invest in our future. Investment in services that could offer real opportunities for independents to serve their patients. That includes the development of prescribing services in community pharmacy, which is something the Government itself has committed to and which reflects the skills of the new generation of pharmacists entering the profession from July 2026. That’s good care, and good business. We can’t sell our future short."
Picard said that at this stage the NPA is focusing on securing the strongest settlement for pharmacies through sustained pressure and engagement with the government.
"What I can say is the NPA team will fight hard for our sector, and do what’s needed in the circumstances we face to maximise our leverage, use our influence and fight to help your business cope – and grow," he added.
IPA calls for cross-sector summit
The Independent Pharmacies Association pointed out that the community pharmacy network cannot operate without adequate funding, and many pharmacy owners are in debt.
It said that trade associations should firm up plans on what needs to be done if the CPCF settlement falls short.
IPA also wants organisations to discuss issues such as margin distribution, the wholesalers' perspective, and the impact of the 10-year plan on shaping the workforce.
IPA pointed out that community pharmacies face imminent challenges such as an increase in business rates and the impact of Middle East crisis on the medicine supply and prices.
"As a sector, we must know what our red lines are and what we are prepared to do, as we cannot afford yet another inadequate funding settlement."
The IPA wants a cross-sector summit to drive these conversations forward with the view to have a unified sector approach.
CPCF talks
The CPCF talks began on February 27, but the contents of the Department of Health and Social Care’s opening letter to Community Pharmacy England have not been made public.
The detailed discussions are expected to cover funding, service changes, and other arrangements for pharmacies in 2026/27, as well as presenting an opportunity to consider longer-term plans for the sector.
