1 October 2026 · The Pharmacist
Scottish community pharmacy funding to rise by 3.5% for 2026/27
Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) has reached a formal funding settlement with the Scottish government for the 2026/27 financial year, confirming an £8.5 million uplift to the community pharmacy contract. Under the terms of the agreement, the global sum will see a 3.5 per cent increase, which brings the total core funding envelope for the sector in Scotland to £250.5 million.
Although the settlement ensures an overall increase in baseline resource allocation, sector leaders have stated that the 3.5 per cent figure is lower than many within the profession had hoped for. The announcement establishes the broad financial parameters for community contractor services, though the full breakdown of how these funds will be allocated across specific service elements and dispensing arrangements has not been detailed in initial communications.
Because the agreed package represents a nationwide settlement, it defines the overarching fiscal framework for NHS community pharmacy delivery across Scotland for the 2026/27 contract year. Contractors and pharmacy bodies will be monitoring how the agreed global sum translates into practical remuneration across individual operational streams as further guidance emerges.
Operationally, UK digital health brands and distance-selling pharmacies dispensing or planning NHS services in Scotland may need to factor the 3.5 per cent uplift into forward financial modelling, while awaiting further clarification on specific tariff breakdowns.