LPC Chairs meet in Parliament to discuss pharmacy funding, reform and future strategy
Community pharmacy leaders, MPs and health stakeholders have gathered in Westminster to discuss the future of the sector and the part it can play in delivering care closer to home.
LPC Chairs from across England met in Parliament on Monday 15th June, followed by a Parliamentary reception with MPs and other stakeholders about Neighbourhood Health.
Held at Portcullis House, the Forum of LPC Chairs meeting brought together local pharmacy leaders at a pivotal time for the sector, with discussions focussed on implications of the 2026/27 Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) settlement, ongoing sector pressures, and the future reform programme.
The meeting was opened by Professor Dame Jenny Harries, Chair of Community Pharmacy England, with speeches from Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State for Care, and Sadik Al-Hassan MP, Chair of the APPG for Pharmacy, who also hosted the event.
Focus on funding and reform
A key theme throughout the session was the recently agreed CPCF settlement and the work involved in securing the deal.
While this uplift was recognised as making progress, discussions reinforced that it does not resolve the financial pressures facing pharmacy owners. Community Pharmacy England reiterated the need for urgent work with Government on a sustainable long-term funding and operational model for the sector.
LPC Chairs discussed the reaction and practical implications of the settlement locally, sharing feedback from pharmacy owners and reflecting on how national priorities should be shaped to support delivery and resilience across the network.
Strengthening the voice of community pharmacy
A central purpose of the Forum is to bring LPC Chairs together to share best practice, address common challenges, and strengthen the collective voice of community pharmacy.
Through structured table discussions, attendees explored sector sentiment, opportunities for collaboration, and the support LPCs need to operate effectively. Particular focus was given to strengthening leadership, improving resource sharing, and preparing for the 2027 LPC elections and future succession planning.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of ensuring LPC insight continues to inform Community Pharmacy England’s work with Government and the NHS as the reform programme develops.
Sessions during the Forum looked ahead to the next phase of work and Community Pharmacy England’s public affairs strategy, including the development of a joint contractual reform programme with Government.
Parliamentary reception
The conversation on community care continued in the afternoon at the Palace of Westminster, where LPC representatives, MPs, patient representatives, health charities an others filled the room for a neighbourhood health reception.
Speeches from Sadik Al-Hassan MP, Chair of the APPG, Janet Morrison, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy England, and Helen Buckingham, author of A Prescription for Success, highlighted the vital role community pharmacies play in improving access to care and how they can support the development of neighbourhood health.
The event enabled Chairs to engage directly with key stakeholders about the vital role pharmacies play in their communities, the pressures facing the sector, and the importance of securing sustainable funding and support for the future.
Briefing: Community Pharmacy: The Heart of Neighbourhood Health
Flyer: How MPs can support Neighbourhood Health
Animation: Neighbourhood Health
Bringing local and national leadership together
The Forum of LPC Chairs continues to play an important role in connecting local leaders with national policy development, ensuring that the experience and insight of LPCs helps shape the future direction for the sector.
James Wood, Director of LPC and Member Support said:
“It was hugely valuable to bring LPC Chairs together again in Parliament at such a critical time for the sector. The discussions reflected both the scale of the challenges facing community pharmacy and the shared determination across the network to be part of the solution.
The Forum provides an important space for Chairs to exchange insight, support one another, and work collectively on the priorities that matter most to pharmacy owners and their communities. It was particularly encouraging to see such strong engagement around the future reform programme.
Opportunities like this, including meeting directly with MPs and hearing directly from the Minister are vital in strengthening our voice, building relationships, and ensuring that decision makers understand both the value of community pharmacy and the urgent need for a sustainable future.”
