Figures revealed on 2nd November show six pharmacies across Sedgefield constituency are at risk of closure as a result of the Government’s proposed 12% cut to pharmacy funding. With only 22 pharmacies across the whole of the constituency, the number of pharmacies at risk of closure is high. Having campaigned to protect community pharmacies, Phil Wilson, MP for Sedgefield was dismayed to discover the number of pharmacies at risk in his constituency. He has however praised the relentless campaigning of local communities and the Labour opposition, which has resulted in up to 9 pharmacies across Sedgefield constituency receiving continued government help through the Government’s Pharmacy Access Scheme. Whilst 9 pharmacies may be entitled to this support, many more will be left worrying about their future, with 13 receiving no additional help of which 6 are at risk of being closed. Speaking in the House of Commons debate on the future of community pharmacies, Phil Wilson MP for Sedgefield said; “Community pharmacies are an integral part of the social fabric of many of our towns and villages.  The government wants to cut the pharmacy budget by £170 million or 12%. “The cuts mean that each pharmacy will lose £14,500 or over £300,000 in Sedgefield. For the Durham, Darlington and Tees area the figure is about £4 million. At least 155 pharmacies are at risk of closure in the North East. This will put more pressure on those that remain, GP surgeries and A&E. This is a backward step for communities, the ill and the elderly.”