The government has agreed a new funding package with pharmacy negotiators in England, leading some pharmacies to call off protests that were planned for later this week.One group representing thousands of local pharmacies was preparing to take action involving cuts to opening hours from Tuesday, but they say that will be delayed while they consider the deal. Others have said the funding package is a “step in the right direction” but it still will not cover all cost increases pharmacies are facing, including a rise in National Insurance.Announcing the deal, ministers said they were working to turn around a “decade of underfunding and neglect”.Community pharmacies have been warning of closures and cutbacks in the face of what they say are unsustainable pressures.Among these are a rising workload, funding which has not kept pace with inflation and the prospect of higher employer National Insurance contributions. And all this as they are expected to help more patients with some conditions to take the pressure off GPs.Government funding for pharmacies in England stood at £2.6bn in 2019/20. But over the next few years that did not go up with inflation. In the current financial year (2024/25) it has been at £2.7bn. The government has now announced a new deal for pharmacies in England, which will see funding rise to £3.1bn next year (2025/26). The deal will also include more mental health support for patients and increased consultations and blood pressure checks. And the deal includes a plan – announced on Sunday – to enable women to get the morning-after pill for free from pharmacies.As part of the deal, the government will also write off £193 million of debt for community pharmacy owners.Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said: “We’re working to turn around a decade of underfunding and neglect that …
