Protests postponed after pharmacy funding boost
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 has left the sector on the brink of collapse."This package of record investment and reform is a vital first step to getting community pharmacies back on their feet and fit for the future."There was a cautious welcome from representatives of High Street chemists but warnings that the extra funding would not be enough to cover rising costs.Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association, said the government's announcement was a "welcome step in the right direction" but it "does not alleviate pressures and will not stop closures".Community pharmacies in England are "on life support", she said, adding the rise in National Insurance and business rates makes the situation "even more acute".Another community pharmacy group, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), had announced that protest action would begin on Tuesday.It had previously warned that pharmacists were facing a "financial cliff edge" from 1 April, when many of their costs are due to rise.The NPA advised about 6,000 members in England to start "working to rule" from this date. This was due to involve cutting opening hours to around 40 hours a week – the minimum required under their contracts – and would have meant possible weekend closures. But the organisation says that this will be delayed while it consults members on the new deal.NPA chair Nick Kaye said Monday's announcement was a "step forward". "However, the truth is that because of a decade of neglect it also falls a long way short of the NHS's own estimates of the true cost of providing pharmacy services," he added. The NPA is "ready to work with ministers to close the funding gap, reform the system and deliver the sustainable, stronger pharmacy service that millions of people need so much", he said.
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Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Reeves gambles on mega £300BN spending splurge including winter benefits & free school meals – but sparks tax hike fears
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Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
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Scotsman
2 hours ago
- Scotsman
Spending Review 2025: what time is Reeves' announcement?
Big pledges on housing, healthcare, and transport are expected, but questions remain over where cuts may fall 🚆 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Rachel Reeves unveils her 2025 spending review today, promising to prioritise 'working people' and drive Britain's economic renewal Big spending boosts are expected to include £30bn for the NHS, £4.5bn for schools, and £39bn for social housing Transport and energy upgrades should also feature heavily, including billions for public transport, nuclear power, and a £3 bus fare cap extension No tax hikes (on income tax, National Insurance, or VAT) are expected, but other departments may face cuts to balance the books Watch live around 12:30pm on Parliament TV, BBC News, Sky News or BBC Parliament Rachel Reeves will today (June 11) unveil her much-anticipated 2025 spending review, pledging to align government priorities with those of 'working people' and spearhead what she is calling 'Britain's renewal.' 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Defence spending rise to 2.5% of GDP, in line with NATO obligations and national security priorities. £39 billion over 10 years for affordable and social housing, nearly doubling annual housing investment to £4 billion by 2029/30. £15.6 billion for public transport in English city regions, supporting tram and bus upgrades outside the capital. £16.7 billion for nuclear energy, most of it going to build the new Sizewell C power plant in Suffolk. £445 million for Welsh rail upgrades, and an extension of the £3 bus fare cap until March 2027. One of the notable omissions in the spending review is the lack of major infrastructure funding for London, and no sign of a tourist levy – a key request from Mayor Sadiq Khan. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While the Government promises reform of the Treasury's 'green book' rules – which decide how investment is distributed – the shift is designed to favour regions outside London and the South East. Will there be tax hikes? 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What it means for you Better public services, particularly in health and education, may mean improvements in access and quality – though not immediately. More affordable housing could ease rental pressure and improve supply, especially for lower-income households. The extended bus fare cap and transport upgrades could mean cheaper and more reliable travel, particularly in city regions outside London. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad No major tax rises (yet) will be a relief for household budgets, though future tax tweaks or spending cuts in other areas remain a possibility. What time is the Spending Review? The Chancellor's speech is expected around 12:30 pm BST, shortly after Prime Minister's Questions, which start at noon in the House of Commons. Major broadcasters, including BBC News and Sky News, will carry live coverage. Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? 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