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Written question asked by Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Diana Johnson (Labour) on Monday, 7 September 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Pharmacy: Finance

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will take steps to re-imburse community pharmacies in 30 days for medication.

Answer

Community pharmacies do not have to wait 90 days for payment for the medicines they supply. Contractors that submit their claims on time for a given month’s activity can receive an early advance payment on or around the 10th of the following month. If they miss the deadline for that payment, they can still receive a later advance payment on or around the end of that month. The final amount due is calculated by the NHS Business Services Authority and paid through a later reconciliation payment.

The Government is committed to ensuring community pharmacies are paid promptly. Under the 2025/26 Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework agreement, the Department committed to work with Community Pharmacy England to improve the payment timetable and strengthen contractors’ cash flow. The agreed changes will be published in the Drug Tariff before implementation.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
23584
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Costs Finance Drugs Pharmacy
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk