Following the announcement that discussions have started on the 2024/25 and 2025/26 funding contractual framework, Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the CCA said:
“We are pleased that the delayed negotiations for 2024-25 have finally restarted, and that negotiations for 2025-26 are also in the works. Community pharmacy urgently needs an uplift in funding to stabilise the network, halt further closures, and ensure patients receive the medicines they need.
There has been a 40% real-terms cut in funding since 2015. This has led to the closure of over 1,200 pharmacies since 2017 – 35% of which have occurred in the 20% most deprived communities in England.
Additional funding is necessary to realise the three shifts the government envisages for the NHS, particularly in shifting care out into the community and prevention.”