Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Pharmacies

Tuesday 17 June 2025 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister acknowledges challenges faced by rural pharmacies due to funding and operational issues.
  • Government plans to reform the pharmacy sector using technology and hub and spoke dispensing models.
  • Minister commits to supporting community pharmacies through the Pharmacy First scheme and other initiatives.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Caroline Voaden Lib Dem South Devon
NHS Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question addresses the challenges faced by small rural pharmacies due to low footfall and limited referral rates, with specific reference to the Modbury pharmacy.

Question

I recently visited Modbury pharmacy where owner Phil Dawes highlighted the challenges facing small rural pharmacies. The current funding model does not take into account lower footfall and limited referral rates common in rural areas. If a pharmacy closes, it causes extreme difficulties for people accessing advice and medicines. Will the Government consider introducing rural exceptions or adjusted funding thresholds so that we can keep community pharmacies open?

Answer from The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)

The pharmacy sector faces huge challenges after massive cuts over the past 14 years. We are beginning to rebuild, but there are particular challenges for rural pharmacies. The Government is looking at comprehensive reform involving better use of technology and hub and spoke dispensing, which would enable better remote dispensing for rural pharmacies.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific funding adjustments or exceptions for rural areas

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Q2 Charlotte Cane Lib Dem Ely and East Cambridgeshire
NHS
Context

The question arises from the struggles of pharmacies to provide new NHS suggested services due to staffing and equipment issues.

Question

I have visited pharmacies across my constituency which are struggling to provide service but keen on taking on new community services such as diabetes testing and weight management treatments. Will the Minister commit to ensuring that rural and community pharmacies are properly staffed and equipped to deliver these services so that patients are not left behind just because of where they live?

Answer from The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)

Community pharmacies will play a central role in the shift from hospital to community, as part of our 10-year plan. Part of that is about Pharmacy First and increasing awareness of this scheme. The aim is also to free up pharmacists to operate at the top of their licence, which involves streamlining dispensing processes. Hub and spoke legislation will be crucial in enabling remote dispensing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to proper staffing and equipment for new services

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Q3 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
NHS
Context

The question is prompted by the Government's decision to cap consultations in Pharmacy First, a system introduced by the previous government.

Question

I am pleased to hear about the Minister’s support for Pharmacy First but why has he decided to cap the number of consultations that a pharmacist may do? Once pharmacists hit this cap, they are no longer paid £17 per consultation. This could turn patients away or force pharmacists to pay themselves, creating extra costs in other areas of primary care.

Answer from The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)

Regarding Pharmacy First, we are working to ensure that financial arrangements incentivise pharmacists effectively. Given past issues with incentives set up under the previous government, those need adjustment. The goal is to make Pharmacy First work and free up primary care pressure.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reasons for capping consultations and impact on patient access

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