The changes aim to make local pharmacies more efficient and free up time for more complex elements of dispensing and clinical care.

Primary care minister, Andrea Leadsom, said: 'We're continuing our drive to make access to medicines and care faster, simpler and fairer for all patients, including at local pharmacies. 

'These proposals will level the playing field and enable our hard-working community pharmacies to benefit from centralised dispensing.

'It will also free up highly skilled pharmacists from back-office duties to deliver patient-facing services, including Pharmacy First and contraception consultations, supply medicines and provide advice.'

The proposed legislation was a commitment made under the Primary Care Recovery Plan and is the latest of several initiatives being delivered to improve the efficiency of pharmaceutical services across the country. 

Legislation to give greater powers to pharmacy technicians was also laid in April which, if approved by Parliament, will free up staff to carry out more tasks and free up more time for pharmacists.