Pharmacies face closure due to soaring business rates

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) reveals that nearly half of the 420 pharmacies polled are considering closure due to soaring business rates. The findings indicate that rising costs are preventing pharmacies from investing in new services, workforce, or premises improvements, with 92% of respondents stating that current bills hinder such investments.

Approximately 55% of pharmacy owners are considering moving to cheaper premises, raising concerns that rural and coastal communities may lose local access to vital medicines. Unlike GPs and NHS dentists, who receive business rate reimbursements, pharmacies are unable to offset rising costs by increasing prices because their income is largely fixed by the NHS.

While recent government policy has announced a 20% reduction in business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues, pharmacies have been excluded from this relief. Some owners have reported bills tripling in recent months following property revaluations and budget changes, leading to reduced opening hours and the cutting of essential services like free medicine deliveries for elderly patients.