Numark chairman Harry McQuillan has urged the government to follow the example of its counterpart in Scotland by supporting pharmacies in England with improved funding following an increase in the global sum north of the border.

Community Pharmacy Scotland’s (CPS) announcement on Friday of a six per cent rise, which saw overall funding increase by £13.2 million to £232.67 million for 2024-25, was positive news for the country’s 1,243 pharmacies.

The agreement also included guaranteed minimum reimbursement of £110 million, an increase of £100 million from 2023-24.

McQuillan (pictured), who was chief executive of CPS for 17 years before joining Numark, told Independent Community Pharmacist the deal was the result of Scotland’s negotiator “maintaining constructive relationships with government, particularly during periods of financial difficulty.”

He also said the Scottish government’s “willingness to listen” to CPS allowed both parties to “truly engage” with one another.

“Westminster could benefit from this model of engagement,” McQuillan said. “A genuine, transparent conversation with pharmacy leaders could lead to more informed decisions that balance economic realities with the undeniable need for a well-supported pharmacy network.

“Scotland’s recent and previous settlements send a clear message; mutual respect, transparent negotiation, innovative use of monies that are already in the system and a commitment to long-term solutions leads to a stronger, more resilient community pharmacy network.”

McQuillan said the latest agreement in Scotland will help pharmacies “plan with confidence” as their overheads continue to increase and gives them “some level of security.”

“While the 2024-25 agreement doesn’t yet allow for the significant expansion of services, it does provide breathing room, something community pharmacies sorely need,” he said.

He urged the government in England to follow Scotland’s example and foster “deeper communication with stakeholders within England’s community pharmacy network.”

“The ongoing struggles in England, with underfunding and insufficient recognition of pharmacies’ contribution to public health, reveal a need for a similar approach to what has been achieved in Scotland,” McQuillan said.

Warning pharmacies in England are at “breaking point,” he added: “By adopting a similar approach, the Westminster government could secure a stable future for pharmacies in England, allowing them to continue their essential role in supporting the NHS and the communities they serve.

“(Scotland’s) talks were not just about figures, they were about mutual respect and understanding of the critical role community pharmacies play in the NHS.”