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The Government has confirmed that discussions towards the 2026-27 contractual framework for pharmacies in England will look at “the introduction of prescribing into community pharmacy services”.

In a written response to Conservative peer Syed Kamall, health minister Baroness Gillian Merron revealed the possibility of a 2026-27 launch for a prescribing service will be considered alongside “any proposed changes to the reimbursement and remuneration of pharmacy contractors”.

Funding talks began on Friday February 27, although the contents of the Department of Health and Social Care’s opening letter to Community Pharmacy England have not been made public.

While Labour has not made a formal announcement regarding the progress towards its manifesto pledge for a Community Pharmacist Prescribing Service since gaining power in the summer of 2024, Baroness Merron’s response suggests changes to education and training as well as ongoing work at the local health board level could make a launch in the near future more feasible.

She told Lord Kamall: “The Government is committed to expanding the role of pharmacies and better utilising the skills of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

“This includes our commitment to make prescribing part of the services delivered by community pharmacists.

“The NHS Medium Term Planning Framework supports this ambition by instructing integrated care boards that they must introduce prescribing based services into community pharmacies during 2026/27 to support primary care access.

“From September 2026, all newly qualified pharmacists will be independent prescribers upon registration.”