A vast majority of sector stakeholders support providing community pharmacies with business rates relief or direct NHS reimbursement, according to recent Pharmacy Business poll.
When asked on PB LinkedIn poll whether community pharmacies should receive financial relief or reimbursement to offset operating costs, 86% of respondents voted "Yes".
In contrast, just 6% voted "No", while 9% stated they were "Unsure".
The survey results highlight strong consensus across the sector regarding the need for targeted financial relief to safeguard community pharmacy infrastructure amid ongoing funding pressures.
Pharmacy leaders, including Community Pharmacy England (CPE), the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), and the Independent Pharmacies Association (IPA), have criticised the government for announcing a 20% business rates cut for pubs and live music venues, while providing no such relief to community pharmacies.
Unlike GP practices and dental surgeries - whose premises costs and business rates are reimbursed by the NHS - community pharmacies are considered commercial retail premises and pay full business rates despite deriving most of their income from NHS services.
Though this year’s Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) funding was higher than last year, there is still a huge funding gap caused by nearly a decade of underfunding.
While many pharmacies are struggling to keep their doors open, this new tax will add to their woes.
