Health Secretary Wes Streeting has described the new deal for community pharmacy as a "vital step forward" for the sector, announcing an extra £617 million – a 19.7% uplift over 2024/25 and 2025/26 – the largest uplift in funding of any part of the NHS.
In a video address at the 2025 Parmacy Business Conference on Sunday, Streeting said the funding package shows the government’s commitment to “supporting you (community pharmacy) in all the work that you do for our NHS.”
“When I became secretary of state for health and social care last year, I wanted to reset the relationship with community pharmacists, and I'm delighted that this week, we've been able to deliver the first funded package approved by the sector in recent years,” he said.
“We work closely and at pace with Community Pharmacy England (CPE), taking on board their feedback and yours to deliver a first step in our mission to revive a vital cornerstone of community healthcare, which was left on the brink of collapse by a decade of underfunding and neglect.”
Acknowledging the pressures across the NHS, he reiterated the government's long-term commitment to stabilising and rebuilding community pharmacies.
He said: “Lord Darcy's review in September identified that primary care was under pressure and in crisis. I recognize that it's a really challenging environment for colleagues in many parts of the NHS right now, and pharmacy is no exception.”
“We're demonstrating our commitment to rebuilding community pharmacy for the long term by starting to address some of the challenges you face and moving towards more stability for the sector.”
He highlighted that, despite the difficult financial situation facing the government, they have prioritised investment in community pharmacy.
Alongside investment, Streeting stressed the need for reform to support the shift of care from hospitals into the community and improve patient access.
“This is a challenge, but I've no doubt you will all be able to rise to it as we develop for the future,” he said.
He thanked the pharmacy teams for their professionalism and dedication.
“I've heard many examples of just how much patients and communities rely on the services offered by community pharmacies, and the lengths to which pharmacy teams go to deliver care.”
“You're already doing so much to help bring healthcare to the high street, whether that's giving access to blood pressure checks, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations or urgent medicine supplies.”
“You've also taken up the mantle over the last year to offer treatment for the seven common conditions in the Pharmacy First service and to expand community pharmacies' role in supporting and treating patients with minor illness.”
“This deal marks my commitment and this government's commitment to delivering for you, to funding services we commission fairly, taking a first step to building what we all want, a service fit for the future.
“This deal cuts the red tape and supports all of you to go further in delivering for your communities.”
From October, the pharmacy contraception service will be expanded, enabling pharmacists to provide emergency contraception through the NHS.
At the same time, the New Medicine Service will be extended to cover depression.
“This is hugely important in helping people to understand and adhere to new medications, and ultimately, for the NHS to get the best value for money for the drugs it purchases,” Streeting said.
“These changes are very tangible examples of how community pharmacy will be at the heart of the shift from hospital to community and from treatment to prevention.”
The government have also agreed to change the fixed payment arrangements for Pharmacy First and increase fees, to enable pharmacists “to continue delivering this service and be rewarded fairly for doing so.”
“This deal that we've agreed with Community Pharmacy England is the first step in this journey together, moving towards a stable supply of medicines with a broad and universal offer of clinical services right across the country,” Streeting noted.
NHS England is currently piloting the pharmacist prescribing service and, while early results are promising, Streeting said they will wait for more data and experience before deciding the way forward.
He added that the government is determined to continue working closely with community pharmacy as the sector delivers more services for patients.
“This deal indicates we're committed to this journey with you. You have a lot of work to do, but through our plan for change, we'll deliver the fundamental reforms needed to revive the sector,” he concluded.
