C+D readers have hit out at PSNC's announcement of interim funding arrangements that will see a drop in practice payments of 15p per item and category M clawbacks of £72.5 million, taking effect in October.  

Pharmacist Harnek Chera described the funding cuts as "relentless". "PSNC continually fails to bring about any freeze, let alone improvement in the situation," he said.

Readers questioned how the funding arrangements were decided and some called for "a change of leadership" following the announcement	More on interim funding arrangements PSNC announces interim funding arrangements Pharmacists face financial strain under new       drug tariff Category M clawback increases four-fold
	His concerns were echoed by community pharmacist Clive Hodgson, who said PSNC's decision created "a very bleak future for contractor, employee and pharmacy in general". Some readers used the C+D website to question how the funding arrangements were decided.

"It's about time the rank and file asked for a full and frank discussion on how PSNC's funding committee negotiates these deals with the Department of Health," said superintendent Ketan Chandi. "We, the contractors, would like to be consulted before they agree to these cuts."

Other readers criticised the management of PSNC itself. "There must be a way of contractors being able to vote for a change of leadership," said community pharmacist David Lewis.

Fellow community pharmacist Gwyn Morris argued that it was "time for a change at the top, since they have failed to negotiate every year since the introduction of the new contract".

PSNC was unavailable for comment.