Key Highlights
- CPE announces 10% uplift in CPCF funding for 2026/27.
- Funding package totals £3.636bn with a £200m uplift to margin allowance.
- Write-off of over-delivered contract funding up to £239m.
- Inclusion of independent prescribing in Pharmacy First and PCS programs.
CPE’s Uplifting Yet Cynical Take on the Funding Deal
You might think this is new, but… Community Pharmacy England (CPE) has finally unveiled a funding deal that’s been long awaited. And it’s not without its caveats.
First off, let’s cut to the chase: CPE is breathing a sigh of relief after securing a 10% (£340m) increase in the Community Pharmacy Contractual Funding (CPCF) budget for next year.
That brings the total funding package to an impressive £3.636bn, with a £200m boost to retained margin.
Now, here’s where things get interesting: CPE is writing off over-delivered contract funding up to £239m, effectively saving contractors around £150 per month on average. This move is aimed at stabilizing the volatile medicines supply chain and ensuring pharmacies can keep their doors open.
The Deal’s Upsides
Independent prescribing is set to be added to Pharmacy First and Prescribed Community Services (PCS) in the autumn, a move that will undoubtedly bring more flexibility to pharmacy services. Additionally, CPE has committed £20m towards the Pharmacy Quality Scheme, with 80% of payments due on September 1st.
The Hard Truth
But let’s not sugarcoat it: CPE was reluctant to accept this deal. In a press release, Janet Morrison, CPE CEO, stated that improvements were achieved during negotiations, but the new funding falls short of making “significant progress towards delivering sustainability to an increasingly unstable sector.”
The committee pointed out that while the funding increase is substantial in a tight government spending envelope, it’s not enough. They warned that pharmacies will still face pressures such as continued closures, reduced opening hours, and deteriorating quality of service.
A Cautionary Note on Sustainability
Independent prescribing is another area where CPE remains cautious. The committee isn’t persuaded that sufficient investment is being made to support the full introduction of this practice within the CPCF. With enhanced clinical responsibility and infrastructure requirements, pharmacies must be prepared for a bumpy road ahead.
The deal does represent the highest funding across primary care sectors, but it’s clear that CPE sees more work needed.
Morrison emphasized that accepting this deal doesn’t mean they are satisfied with the outcome or plan to sit back. It’s all about building towards a sustainable long-term solution.
