Pharmacy APPG Chair Sadik Al-Hassan MP sets out roadmap for community pharmacy’s future following Parliamentary debate

Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate on Tuesday 2 June 2026, the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pharmacy, Sadik Al Hassan MP, called for a renewed, sector-wide effort to define the future role of community pharmacy. His remarks follow progress through the 2026–27 Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) settlement, described as a positive step towards stability, while underlining the need for further action to secure the sector’s long-term sustainability. 

On Friday 29th May, the APPG recognised the Government’s latest CPCF funding settlement as an important step in providing stability at a critical time for the sector. However, the Group has been clear that this must mark the starting point for a broader programme of reform to fully unlock the potential of community pharmacy within the NHS. 

Mr Al Hassan’s contribution to the debate comes alongside the publication of his vision document, Primary Care 2040, which sets out how primary care could evolve through closer integration between community pharmacy and general practice. The report highlights the opportunity for pharmacy to take on an expanded role across medicines management, acute care, prevention and long-term condition support, enabled by improvements in digital infrastructure and workforce development. 

At the heart of the report is a future model of care built on better use of data, stronger integration across primary care, and a shift towards prevention and patient-centred services. It makes clear that sustainable, inflation-linked funding, alongside targeted investment in workforce and infrastructure, will be essential to support this transition. 

Commenting, Mr Al-Hassan said: “I genuinely feel that we need to have this conversation – it can’t just be one person’s vision of pharmacy, but our profession’s vision.” 

In his remarks to Parliament, Mr Al Hassan recognised the significant contribution community pharmacy already makes to the NHS, while warning that ongoing financial pressures risk constraining its ability to deliver for patients. He called on the Government to build on the CPCF settlement with a clear, long-term plan to support the sector to expand its clinical role and integrate more fully into neighbourhood healthcare. 

APPG on Pharmacy Welcomes CPCF 2026/27 Funding Settlement

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pharmacy welcomes the 2026/27 Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) funding settlement, highlighting the agreement as an important step towards strengthening and transforming the future role of community pharmacy within the NHS.

APPG Chair, Sadik Al-Hassan MP, said:

“Today’s CPCF funding settlement demonstrates real commitment and momentum not just towards reforming community pharmacy, but transforming it for the longer term.

The 10.3% uplift, adding £340 million to the overall contract, is hugely welcome. For me, one of the most significant elements is the accompanying increase in retained margin, adding £200 million, alongside the write-off of £239 million. Together, those measures will provide important support and stability for the sector.

There are also several important changes within the settlement itself, including the increase in the Single Activity Fee to £1.52 from activity delivered in May onwards, continued commitment to the Pharmacy Quality Scheme, and new late payment flexibility for Pharmacy First and the New Medicine Service.

There are two particular areas within the agreement which, for me, act as placeholders that demonstrate real ambition for the direction the Department is moving in, but which will now need further development and investment to fully realise their potential.

The first is Pharmacy First and the inclusion of independent prescribing. That is an excellent starting point. The next step for the sector is to map out what we want Pharmacy First to look like through to 2030 and beyond, as it cannot simply remain a pharmacy-led service for a small number of conditions. Community pharmacy has the potential to play a much broader role across acute care, minor ailments and prevention, and we now need a clear roadmap for how Pharmacy First can become part of the solution to many of the wider challenges facing the NHS.

The second is the introduction of four hours of monthly protected learning time. This is a positive ambition and an important recognition of the need to support workforce development and training. The next stage must ensure there is sustainable funding attached to that ambition, including through mechanisms such as the Pharmacy Quality Scheme, so pharmacies are properly supported to invest in training and service development.

This settlement marks the start of a longer journey for community pharmacy and where the sector should ultimately sit within the NHS. We need continued strong funding settlements over the coming years to close the gap created by inflationary pressures and to support investment, delivery and transformation. Community pharmacy is an incredibly efficient, high value asset to the NHS, and its work supports the wider health and care system every day.

It is important to recognise that this agreement comes against a backdrop of significant cost pressures for pharmacies, including increases to the National Living Wage, business rates and employer National Insurance contributions. Despite those pressures, I see this settlement not only as a positive step forward, but as a downpayment on a brighter future for community pharmacy.

However, we must think seriously about how community pharmacy is integrated into the future NHS and primary care landscape. As systems such as the Single Patient Record are developed, pharmacy should be built into that infrastructure as a cornerstone of the future NHS, with integrated read-and-write access that allows pharmacies to work seamlessly alongside the rest of the health service.

This settlement also needs to be considered alongside the NHS drugs bill. As a country, we have become too reliant on cheap medicines, and that has created pressures and vulnerabilities across the medicines supply chain, including within community pharmacy. Fixing the drugs bill in a way that supports investment and supply chain resilience will also help strengthen pharmacy services for the future.

I am incredibly thankful to Community Pharmacy England for their hard work in securing this record funding agreement, building on the progress made last year. My thanks also go to the Department of Health and Social Care and Minister Stephen Kinnock for their engagement and hard work throughout these discussions. There is still more work to do, but this marks the beginning of a really bright future for community pharmacy.”

APPG on Pharmacy – Pharmacy in Parliament – January 2026.

Welcome back to the APPG on Pharmacy Parliamentary Update for January 2026. Parliament has returned from the Christmas recess to a busy start to the year, with notable activity across both Houses. Below, you’ll find a summary of the key parliamentary and policy developments shaping community pharmacy in recent weeks.

Key Parliamentary Activity

Oral Contributions:

Primary Care in Epping Forest: House Building Targets. 13th January 2026. House of Commons. Full transcript available here.

  • Dr Luke Evans (Conservative): Raised a question to the Government on the number of pharmacy contracts that ceased in England during 2025.

  • In response, the Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock (Labour) noted that there had been a 19% uplift in the funding for community pharmacies in the last spending review. Stephen Kinnock, when challenged by Dr Evans, disputed the figure that had been reported in national media (650 contracts ceased in England and Wales)

 

Written Questions:

There were 36 written questions relating to Pharmacy answered in the House of Commons and House of Lords during January. These can all be viewed on Hansard here.

Key questions include:

  • Sir Julian Smith (Conservative) on community based diagnostic capacity (106984)

  • Melanie Onn (Labour) on medicines shortages (107056)

  • Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat), Jim McMahon (Labour) and Paulette Hamilton (Labour) on impact of Autmn budget on community pharmacies (103019, 95130, 100592)

  • Zoe Franklin and Will Foster (Liberal Democrat) on community pharmacy reimbursement rates (106808, 107288)

  • Will Foster (Liberal Democrat) on reforming the community pharmacy contract (107287)

  • Rachel Maskell (Labour) on stabilising drug pricing for pharmacies (106166)

  • Rachel Maskell (Labour) on plans to expand the pharmacy first model (106155)

  • Lee Anderson (Reform) on medicine wastage in the NHS (104366)

  • Sir John Hayes (Conservative) on increasing community pharmacy provision in rural areas (98742)

  • Charlie Maynard (Liberal Democrat) on pharmacy first consultation (94764)

  • Lord Scriven (Liberal Democrat) on supporting the findings of the economic analysis showing the underfunding of community pharmacy (HL13562)

 

 

 

APPG on Pharmacy submits response to DHSC consultation on pharmacist flexibilities

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pharmacy has submitted its official response to the Department of Health and Social Care’s consultation on enabling pharmacist flexibilities when dispensing medicines.

The APPG welcomes proposals that would allow pharmacists to use their professional judgement to supply alternative strengths or formulations when the original prescription is unavailable – helping patients receive medicines without unnecessary delays, reducing pressure on prescribers, and making better use of pharmacists’ clinical expertise.

Evidence gathered by the APPG earlier this year as part of its inquiry into medicines shortages shows the scale of pressure caused by medicines shortages, with pharmacy teams spending increasing time sourcing alternatives and supporting patients. The APPG’s response urges practical, patient centred reforms with clear safeguards, efficient digital systems, and fair remuneration for the additional responsibilities pharmacists will take on.

Sadik Al-Hassan MP, Chair of the APPG on Pharmacy, said:

“We all know that giving pharmacists flexibility in choice saves time for the system, but it has to be reimbursed for the cost of doing so. There is not enough fat in pharmacy to take on more work without fair pay for it. This is a tool that the NHS needs pharmacists to have but we also need the resources to use it.”

The Future of Community Pharmacy in England - Report - November 2025

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pharmacy has today published its latest report, The Future of Community Pharmacy in England, urging Government to act swiftly to prevent the collapse of a sector critical to NHS resilience.

The report outlines seven priority recommendations to unlock pharmacy’s potential in delivering accessible, cost-effective care and supporting wider health policy reform, particularly the implementation of the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan.

Every day, 1.6 million people visit a pharmacy in England. Yet most pharmacies are operating at a loss, facing workforce shortages and medicines supply instability. The APPG on Pharmacy’s new report warns that without urgent reform, patients will lose access to vital services.

Sadik Al-Hassan MP, Chair of the APPG on Pharmacy, said:

“Community pharmacies are an essential cornerstone of local healthcare, relied upon by millions each week for convenient, trusted, and professional care. The message from our report is clear: pharmacies stand ready to do more, but urgent action is needed to close the funding gap, support the workforce, and put community pharmacy at the heart of primary care reform with a strong vision for the sector.

With the right investment and policy support, pharmacies can help address many of the most pressing challenges facing the NHS – improving access, supporting prevention, and enabling people to stay healthy and in work. Now is the time to recognise and realise the full potential of England’s pharmacy network as a central pillar of health policy reform and dream the reality of pharmacy for 2035.”

The APPG report outlines seven priority recommendations for government, including funding reform, workforce support, and medicines supply improvements.

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This month in Parliament - October 2025

Welcome back to the APPG on Pharmacy Parliamentary update for October 2025. Both Houses have now returned following a busy conference recess. Below is a summary of the key parliamentary and policy developments in community pharmacy from recent weeks.

Key announcements

NHS England - Free ‘morning after pill’ for women at high street pharmacies thanks to NHS expansion – 29th October.

The expansion of the Pharmacy Contraception Service (PCS), enabling high street pharmacies in England to offer the "morning-after pill" (oral emergency contraception) free of charge under the NHS. This service expansion, driven by NHS England, significantly improves patient access to vital reproductive healthcare, allowing women to receive timely emergency contraception directly from their local pharmacy without needing a GP appointment, and reducing pressure on primary care services.

NHS England – Medium Term Planning Framework – delivering change together 2026/27 to 2028/29  - 24th October.

The Medium-Term Planning Framework, which sets strategic direction for Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) for the coming three years, explicitly calls on systems to "maximise Pharmacy First and roll out new services." This mandate signifies a high-level strategic commitment to embedding the Pharmacy First approach to reduce primary care pressures and substantially expand the clinical role of community pharmacy. This push is part of a wider NHS strategy to shift care from hospital to community settings, with ICBs expected to ensure a full embrace of pharmacy services, including the newly expanded emergency contraception provision and future plans for HPV vaccinations.

Key Parliamentary Activity

Oral Contributions

General Committee – Legislation Committee - Grand Committee - Authorisation by Pharmacists and Supervision by Pharmacy Technicians – House of Commons – 13th October 2025.

Stephen Kinnock (Minister for Care, Labour): Outlined the draft order was introduced as part of broader efforts to modernise pharmacy regulation and streamline operations. Three main proposals were outlined; pharmacists would be able to authorise pharmacy technicians to oversee dispensing work; qualified staff could distribute checked prescriptions even if the pharmacist is not present; and skilled pharmacy technicians would have the authority to operate hospital aseptic units. The explanation highlighted gradual implementation, prioritised patient safety, and underscored the goal of allowing pharmacists to focus more on clinical care under the 10-Year Health Plan.

Gregory Stafford (Conservative, Shadow Health Spokesperson): Outlined that the Conservatives would not oppose the legislation and supported the sensible move to let pharmacists and technicians work at the top of their remit, improving efficiency and patient access. Raised concerns about clarity on “supervision” and “authorisation”, the impact on small or rural pharmacies without technicians, and funding for expanded services like Pharmacy First. Stafford also asked about transition timelines, guidance for regulators, and progress on pharmacy technician regulation in Northern Ireland.

Grand Committee - Authorisation by Pharmacists and Supervision by Pharmacy Technicians – House of Lords – 21st October 2025.

On 21st October, the Human Medicines Order 2025 (Authorisation by Pharmacists and Supervision by Pharmacy Technicians) was put forward in the House of Lords. The Order seeks to modernise the legislation around the supervision, preparation, assembly, dispensing, sale and supply of prescription only medicines. On 30th October, the order was considered approved.

Key themes and speakers included:

  • Baroness Merron – Minister: Explained the purpose of the SI: modernising pharmacy regulation, reducing red tape, enabling pharmacists to focus on clinical care, and allowing pharmacy technicians greater autonomy. Outlined three proposals: delegation of dispensing supervision, authorisation for handing out checked prescriptions, and enabling technicians to manage aseptic facilities. Emphasised phased implementation and patient safety.

  • Lord Scriven (Liberal Democrat and APPG Vice-Chair): Supported modernisation but raised three concerns—patient safety (training, unclear authorisation, accountability), financial risks (possible NHS dispensing fee cuts), and supply issues (vague "at or from" wording enabling remote supply). Requested clear guidance, stable funding, and legal clarity.

  • Baroness Hollins (Cross Bench): Raised concerns about patient safety, training gaps (NVQ vs master’s level), risk of corporate pressure, lack of clear definitions for supervision and authorisation, and accountability issues. Questioned how authorisations would be tracked and highlighted potential conflicts and risks with lethal substances under other legislation.

  • Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Labour):  Supported the order for freeing pharmacists to deliver more patient-facing care and NHS services. Highlighted benefits for community pharmacy and vaccination programmes but echoed concerns about qualification gaps and Northern Ireland’s delay in registering pharmacy technicians.

  • Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party): Supported reform in principle but stressed risks from corporate ownership and financial pressures. Questioned timing given ongoing consultation on technician training, and asked how this fits into wider regulation reforms (Leng review). Called for clarity on training improvements before implementation.

  • Lord Kamall (Conservative): Supported reform but called for clearer definitions of training and supervision. He requested details on transition timelines, availability of guidance, and raised concerns about small or rural pharmacies lacking technicians. He also questioned oral authorisation accountability and sought clarification on implementation timelines for Northern Ireland.

Written Questions:

There were 34 written questions relating to Pharmacy answered in the House of Commons  and House of Lords over the past  two weeks. These can all be viewed on Hansard here.

Key questions include:

Sadik Al Hassan MP elected Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Pharmacy

London, 22 October 2025: The All‑Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pharmacy is pleased to announce that, following its Annual General Meeting on Monday 20th October, Sadik Al‑Hassan (MP for North Somerset) has been elected as the group’s Chair. Sadik replaces the previous Chair of the Group, Steve Race (MP for Exeter), who stood down from the role following his appointment as a Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Department of Health and Social Care in September 2025.

Lord Scriven, Joe Robertson (MP for Isle of Wight East) and Lee Dillon (MP for Newbury) have been elected as Vice-Chairs.

Speaking following his election, Sadik Al‑Hassan said:

“As a community pharmacist for nearly two decades, I’ve seen first‑hand the vital role pharmacies play in keeping people healthy, reducing pressure on GPs and hospitals, and delivering care at the heart of every community. I’m honoured to chair the APPG on Pharmacy, to carry forward its important work, and be the voice of the sector in Parliament.

I would like to extend my thanks to Steve Race for his leadership and dedication as an advocate for pharmacy in Parliament since the group's reformation last September. Steve’s efforts in bringing together voices from inside and outside the sector to raise awareness of and develop solutions to the key challenges impacting pharmacists up and down the country, including medicines shortages, pharmacy funding and the implementation of the Pharmacy First scheme, have been instrumental in shaping the future direction of the sector.”

Media enquiry point:

M+F Health, Secretariat to the APPG on Pharmacy

Email: PharmacyAPPG@mandfhealth.com

Inquiry into Medicines Shortages in England - Report - July 2025

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pharmacy has published its landmark report into medicines shortages in England, further revealing the scale and severity of the issues facing patients, pharmacists and the wider NHS.

The inquiry finds that medicines shortages have shifted from isolated incidents to a chronic, structural challenge. The APPG has found that with 96% of pharmacists spending increased time managing shortages and 92% reporting decreased patient satisfaction, the impact on frontline care is stark. Nearly two-thirds of pharmacists are contacting prescribers multiple times a day to resolve supply issues, while 40% spend between 1–2 hours daily managing shortages.

Patients are bearing the brunt. From ADHD and diabetes to epilepsy and menopause, shortages are disrupting treatment, forcing rationing, and in some cases, leading to serious health consequences.

In his foreword, Steve Race MP, Chair of the APPG on Pharmacy, said:

“Medicines shortages have moved from isolated incidents to a chronic structural challenge for both the NHS and pharmacy sector. As government continues to recognise and invest in the expanded clinical role of community pharmacy, we must ensure the medicines supply chain underpinning that care is equally robust, resilient and patient-focused. Pharmacy is central to NHS recovery and transformation, but frontline teams cannot safely expand clinical services while daily supply disruptions continue to impact the health of patients.”

The APPG makes 12 urgent recommendations, including empowering pharmacists to make safe substitutions, expanding domestic manufacturing, and creating a UK-wide real-time communication system for shortages.

The APPG will be engaging directly with Ministers, NHS leaders, and regulators over the coming months to press for urgent action. The APPG is also inviting the Department of Health and Social Care to formally respond to its recommendations ahead of winter 2025, when demand pressures are expected to escalate.

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This week in Parliament w/c 28th April & 5th May

Welcome back to the APPG on Pharmacy weekly Parliamentary update covering w/c 28th April and 5th May. A busy few weeks across the Pharmacy sector after the Easter recess, with announcements on hub and spoke dispensing as well as parliamentary reaction following the community pharmacy contractual framework funding settlements. Set out below is a summary of key parliamentary and policy developments in community pharmacy from the weeks gone.

Key announcements

Government announces the next steps for Hub and Spoke dispensing

The Government has put forward amendments to the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 in Parliament as the next step towards Hub and Spoke dispensing for community pharmacies.

The amendments include that only Model 1 is to be permitted, which includes patient – spoke – hub – spoke – patient. Key changes also mean that the hub-and-spoke pharmacy requires a formal written agreement outlining each party’s responsibilities in the dispensing process. The hub pharmacy assembles or part-assembles medicines, while the spoke pharmacy sells, supplies, or dispenses them to patients. Dispensed medicines must be labelled with the spoke’s details and the date of assembly. Patient data can be shared between the hub and spoke via an approved information gateway, provided confidentiality measures are in place and appropriate notices are displayed.

The HMR amendments are due to take effect on 1 October 2025, with hub-and-spoke dispensing expected to begin no earlier than 29 October 2025.

Key Parliamentary Activity

Oral Contributions

Topical Questions – Thursday 6th May 2025. Full transcript available here.

Catherine Atkinson (Labour): Questioned what action the government was taking to support community pharmacies financially, following the freezing of prescription charges.

Stephen Kinock (Labour): In response noted the financial uplift to £3.1 billion for 2025-26 and referenced recent legislation regarding hub and spoke dispensing.

Jim Shannon (DUP): Raised concerns about the viability of pharmacies in rural areas and to ensure access is maintained.

Stephen Kinock (Labour): In his response again referred to the 19% uplift to £3.1 billion and noted the pharmacy access scheme, providing £19 million to support pharmacies in areas where there are fewer.

Written Questions:

There were 32 written questions relating to Pharmacy answered in the House of Commons  and House of Lords over the past  two weeks. These can all be viewed on Hansard here.

Key questions include:

 

The week in Parliament – w/c 31st March and 7th April

Welcome back to the APPG on Pharmacy Parliamentary update covering w/c 31st March and 7th April. A busy few weeks across the Pharmacy sector, with the announcement of the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) arrangements for 2024/25 and 2025/26 as well as several written contributions from members. Set out below is a summary of key parliamentary and policy developments in community pharmacy from the weeks gone.

Key announcements

Funding deal agreed between Government and Community Pharmacy England

The Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) for 2024/25 and 2025/26 has been announced, marking a significant development for the sector in England. 

The agreement, reached between the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), NHS England, and Community Pharmacy England (CPE), includes a funding increase of 19.7% to £3.073 billion for 2025/26. Key aspects of the framework include expanded clinical services, such as the New Medicine Service (NMS) for depression and a national emergency contraception service, alongside continued support for the Pharmacy First scheme to improve access to primary care.

Additionally, £193 million of historic overpayments have been written off, providing financial relief to struggling pharmacies. These measures aim to stabilise medicine supply and enhance the role of community pharmacies in delivering NHS services.

The CPCF builds upon previous agreements that positioned community pharmacies as integral components of NHS primary care networks. It guarantees annual funding of £2.592 billion and introduces additional investments, including £215 million for services like blood pressure monitoring and contraception under Pharmacy First.

The medicines margin has been increased to £900 million, and the single activity fee has risen by 19p from April 2025. These changes reflect the government’s ambition to shift healthcare delivery into communities while addressing inflationary pressures and rising operational costs faced by pharmacies. By securing these advancements, the framework aims to ensure the sustainability of community pharmacies as vital healthcare hubs within local communities.

Further details can be found here: Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework: 2024 to 2025 and 2025 to 2026 - GOV.UK

Minister of State for Care, Stepehen Kinnock, statement here.

Key Parliamentary Activity

Oral Contributions

No relevant contributions

Written Questions:

There were 32 written questions relating to Pharmacy answered in the House of Commons  and House of Lords over the past  two weeks. These can all be viewed on Hansard here.

Key questions include: