Overview

The 2025/26 GP contract introduces significant funding increases, workforce flexibility, and operational mandates that impact Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). This guide outlines the key changes and how ICBs can ensure successful implementation across their regions.

Funding & Investment Changes

1. £889m additional investment into the GP contract.
   
2. Global Sum per patient increased to £121.90.
   
3. £87.6m for PCN Capacity & Access Improvement Payments (CAIP), supporting:
   
1. £58.4m for modern general practice access.
   
2. £29.2m for population health risk stratification.
   
4. £80m Advice & Guidance Enhanced Service for elective care recovery.
   
5. Reallocation of £298m from retired QOF indicators to Global Sum & CVD prevention initiatives.
   

Action Points:

1. Assess how funding increases align with regional priorities.
   
2. Ensure equitable distribution of CAIP and QOF redistribution.
3. Monitor PCN utilisation of Advice & Guidance Service funding.
   

Workforce & ARRS Expansion

1. ARRS expanded to allow PCNs to hire GPs and practice nurses with no cap.
   
2. GP salary reimbursement under ARRS increased to £82,418.
   
3. ICBs responsible for overseeing equitable workforce planning across PCNs.
   
4. Emphasis on continuity of care – incentivising patients to see the same GP.
   

Action Points:

1. Work with PCNs to optimise workforce planning under ARRS.
   
2. Ensure regional oversight of ARRS funding flexibility and workforce distribution.
   
3. Support PCNs in implementing continuity of care strategies.
   

Digital & Access Mandates

1. Online appointment requests must be available during core hours by October 2025.
   
2. GP Connect implementation required, allowing:
   
1. Read-only access to patient records by NHS and private providers (with patient consent).
   
2. Community pharmacy consultation summaries to be shared with GP workflows.
   
3. Patient Charter requirement to set clear expectations for patient access and care.
   

Action Points:

1. Ensure PCNs meet the October 2025 deadline for online access requirements.
   
2. Monitor GP Connect compliance across all practices.
   
3. Support PCNs in implementing the Patient Charter and digital transformation.
   

QOF & Administrative Changes

1. 32 QOF indicators retired, removing 212 reporting points.
   
2. £198m reallocated to CVD prevention and enhanced care pathways.
   
3. Reduction in admin burden, with practices no longer required to report on non-clinical metrics.
   

Action Points:

1. Align regional QOF strategies with CVD prevention targets.
   
2. Monitor practice engagement with new QOF thresholds.
   
3. Identify efficiency improvements through reduced reporting requirements.
   

Enhanced Services & Incentives

1. £80m Advice & Guidance Enhanced Service (£20 per pre-referral request).
   
2. Weight Management Enhanced Service continues (£11.50 per referral).
   
3. Additional funding for continuity of care and patient engagement initiatives.
   

Action Points:

1. Support PCNs in maximising uptake of enhanced services.
   
2. Track regional impact of Advice & Guidance funding on elective care recovery.
   
3. Work with PCNs to ensure new patient care incentives are effectively deployed.
   

Next Steps & Deadlines

1. April 2025 – Contract changes come into effect.
   
2. October 2025 – Online appointment access mandate deadline.
   

Immediate Actions:

1. Review ICB funding allocations and strategic planning priorities.
   
2. Ensure all PCNs are aligned with ARRS workforce planning requirements.
   
3. Monitor compliance with digital transformation mandates.
   
4. Facilitate adoption of the Patient Charter across all practices.