Pharmacy Closures

Baroness Nargund Excerpts

Wednesday 1st July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

As I have said, we keep this constantly under review, but it is the case that GPs can provide dispensing services in a number of situations. That particularly helps if people live further away from a community facility than is ideal.

[Baroness Nargund (Lab)]

My Lords, I thank my noble friend the Minister for her reassuring reply about the closure of local pharmacies. However, research published in 2025 shows that access to local pharmacies has declined almost four times faster in England’s poorest communities. What assessment have the Government made of the impact of this on health inequalities? What steps will they take to integrate pharmacy services within neighbourhood health centres?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

That comes into the category of underserved areas, particularly if there are fewer pharmacies. I disagree with my noble friend about the overall picture in terms of pharmacies; we are supporting them to do more work, and a bigger range of work strengthens their position. It is not necessary to live right near a pharmacy, because of provision by online pharmacies. Finally, I repeat that local authorities can also seek to open pharmacies where there are underserved areas.