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Community Pharmacy England has announced the levy it charges to local pharmaceutical committees will rise by three per cent in the financial year beginning April 1 to help the negotiator carry out “an ambitious work plan”.

In a report on its February committee meeting, CPE revealed its 2026-27 budget had been approved, including a provision for the LPC levy to go up by “around £145,500” to “approximately £4.9m”.

During budget discussions efforts were made “to keep any increase as low as possible without compromising a demanding workplan for the year ahead,” said CPE.

The negotiator added: “We have already taken steps to reduce costs, including using our office space more for committee meetings and events, reducing consultancy spend and like LPCs lowering reserves where appropriate.”

CPE commented: “While Community Pharmacy England secured a significant funding uplift for the sector in 2024-25 and 2025-26, the financial position for many pharmacy owners remains extremely challenging: we will need to continue to work together to drive improvements and to improve the outlook for all pharmacies.

“We also recognise that LPCs have also faced increased costs - as we are doing at national level.

“We know how important it is that any increase is justified and kept to a minimum, and that any additional resources will directly benefit the pharmacy owners who we all represent.”

The LPC levy rose by two per cent in April 2025.