The new pharmacy minister has signalled his commitment to ‘expanding the role’ of pharmacists and ‘better utilising’ their skills.

In one of his first written statements to parliament, care minister Stephen Kinnock – who holds the responsibility for pharmacy and general practice – also confirmed the government and NHS England are continuing to consult with Community Pharmacy England (CPE) on this year’s delayed contract.

His statement came in response to a question from Labour MP for Liverpool Walton, Dan Carden, who asked what steps the Department of Health and Social Care is taking to support community pharmacies in his constituency and elsewhere in England.

Mr Kinnock, who was confirmed as pharmacy minister earlier this month, said: ‘Pharmacies play a vital role in our healthcare system.

‘We are committed to expanding the role of pharmacies and to better utilising the skills of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, including by cutting red tape.’

He added: ‘The Department and NHS England are currently consulting Community Pharmacy England on the contractual arrangements for community pharmacies in England, including Liverpool Walton, for 2024/25.’

When the new government was confirmed earlier this month, CPE said negotiating the community pharmacy contract for 2024/25 should be one of its first tasks – but noted that even in a ‘best-case scenario’ negotiations might not begin for several weeks.

When the general election was called in May, negotiations were underway for the for the contract which should have been implanted for the new financial year in April.

But as previously reported, CPE had said in June that while contract discussions could continue no agreement could be reached until after the general election and the appointment of new government ministers.

Mr Kinnock’s comments come around six months after the launch of England’s national Pharmacy First scheme.