Engaging with local MPs about Business Rate Increases

Community Pharmacies face increased pressure as Business Rate Rise is announced for April 2026. We would encourage all pharmacy contractors to write to their MP about these unfair increases in pharmacy business rates see below an example of a template letter for your use.

MP Letter – Business Rate Increases template

Dear [MP Name]

I am writing on behalf of Community Pharmacy Thames Valley to express our deep concern about the scheduled rise in business rates due to take effect in April 2026, and to ask for your active support in securing government intervention to protect our local community pharmacies.

Community pharmacies across Thames Valley are under unprecedented financial pressure. Despite their central role in providing NHS-funded healthcare, they now face an additional shock in the form of the upcoming increase in business rates, which the National Pharmacy Association has warned could push many pharmacies “to the brink of collapse.”

Unlike many high street businesses, pharmacies cannot raise prices to offset rising costs — around 90% of their income comes from NHS services, paid at nationally fixed rates. This makes business rates rises uniquely damaging to the sector. According to the NPA, some pharmacies face bills doubling in April 2026, running into tens of thousands of pounds. The consequence could be further closures in a sector that has already lost over 1,400 pharmacies since 2017 and currently sees approximately two pharmacies per week closing permanently in England.

If the business rates rise goes ahead without mitigation, we expect:

1. Reduced access to NHS funded services
2. Greater pressure on GP practices and urgent care
3. Threats to patient safety due to overstretched remaining pharmacies
4. Loss of trusted local healthcare providers
5. Increased health inequalities across HIOW, especially in rural areas and areas of deprivation

This is not just a financial issue; it is a patient access and public health risk.

We ask for your urgent support in advocating for the following:

1. Business rates relief or reimbursement for community pharmacies, similar to the support provided to GP practices and NHS dentists, who receive reimbursement for their premises costs.
2. Inclusion of community pharmacies in any wider business rates mitigation schemes being considered for high street or community based services.
3. A review of the sustainability of pharmacy funding, recognising that further unfunded cost pressures put essential NHS services at risk.
4. A Parliamentary question or letter to HM Treasury and DHSC seeking clarification on:
1. Impact assessments for the April 2026 business rates increase
2. Whether support for pharmacies is under consideration
3. How government intends to protect patient access to community pharmacy services

We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how we can work together to safeguard the future of community pharmacy services in Thames Valley.

Community pharmacies are part of the critical NHS foundation in our region. Without urgent action, the April 2026 business rates increase could accelerate closures and weaken access to care at a time when the NHS cannot absorb additional pressure.

Thank you for your continued support for local healthcare services. We look forward to working with you to ensure that community pharmacies remain viable, accessible, and able to deliver the care our populations rely on.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Role / Pharmacy Owner]
[Pharmacy Name]