MP Raises Rural Pharmacy Funding Concerns in Parliament Following Benson Visit

Freddie Van Mierlo, MP for Henley and Thames, has challenged the Government over the impact of rising thresholds in the Pharmacy First scheme on rural pharmacies, following a visit to a community pharmacy in Benson.

Pharmacy First is an NHS initiative that allows local pharmacies to treat common conditions, with pharmacies receiving a £1,000 monthly payment once they meet a minimum number of clinical pathway consultations. When the scheme began, pharmacies were required to deliver just one consultation to qualify for the payment. Over the past two years, that threshold has steadily increased, reaching 30 consultations by March 2025.

During his visit to the Benson pharmacy, Freddie heard directly from staff about the pressure these rising targets are placing on small community providers. In rural areas with smaller populations, pharmacies often do not have the patient numbers required to meet the thresholds, meaning they risk missing out on funding despite delivering essential services.

National data shows that as the thresholds have risen, the number of pharmacies missing the target has also grown. At several points in 2024 and 2025, more than 6,000 pharmacies in England failed to meet the required consultation numbers in a single month. Overall, the total value of missed £1,000 monthly payments is estimated at £71.69 million.

Freddie Van Mierlo said:

“Rural pharmacies play a vital role in providing accessible healthcare close to home. Pharmacy First can help relieve pressure on GPs. But under the current system, many pharmacies are effectively being asked to deliver the service for free simply because they serve smaller communities. That is not a sustainable model for small community providers.

“When the scheme began, pharmacies only had to deliver one consultation to be paid for their work. The threshold has now risen to 30. During my visit to the pharmacy in Benson in May last year, I heard first hand how hard staff are working to deliver for patients. Yet smaller pharmacies simply do not have the patient footfall to meet ever increasing targets. Since May, thing have only got harder.

“Rural areas should not be penalised for their population size. I asked the Secretary of State what steps will be taken to ensure rural pharmacies receive fair treatment and proper support so they can continue serving our communities.”

"I am pleased the minister took on board my comments and committed to take rural needs into account"