What the 2025/26 Contract Means for GP Finances

What the 2025/26 Contract Means for GP Finances

Overview

Notes
The 2025/26 GP contract introduces major financial changes, including an increase in the Global Sum, additional investment, and QOF reforms. This guide outlines how these changes impact funding, payments, and financial planning for practices.

 

Key Financial Changes

  1. Total contract funding increases from £12.3bn to £13.2bn.
  2. Global Sum per patient rises to £121.90.
  3. £889m additional core funding + £80m for enhanced services.
  4. Salaried GP minimum reimbursement increased to £82,418 (+on-costs).
  5. Locum reimbursement & parental leave rates increasing.
  6. Reallocation of £298m from retired QOF indicators into the Global Sum and CVD prevention funding.

Action Points:

  1. Review financial impact on practice budgets.
  2. Plan for QOF funding redistribution i.e. how to ensure you achieve stretched CVD targets.
  3. Ensure your practice is optimising ARRS and enhanced service funding opportunities.

QOF Funding Redistribution

  1. 32 QOF indicators permanently retired (212 points removed).
  2. £298m reinvested into Global Sum and CVD prevention incentives.
  3. New QOF focus on Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) prevention and risk stratification.

Action Points:

  1. Evaluate how QOF income redistribution will affect practice revenue.
  2. Focus on CVD prevention strategies to align with funding priorities.
  3. Track changes in performance-related income streams.

Enhanced Services & Incentives

  1. £80m Advice & Guidance Enhanced Service (£20 per pre-referral request).
  2. Weight Management Enhanced Service (£11.50 per referral).

Action Points:

  1. Identify eligible patients for enhanced services.
  2. Maximise pre-referral advice funding opportunities.
  3. Track new income streams and reporting requirements.

Next Steps

  1. April 2025 – Contract changes come into effect.
  2. October 2025 – Online appointment access mandates must be implemented.

Immediate Actions:

  1. Review financial projections and funding allocations.
  2. Adjust practice workflows to align with QOF redistribution.
  3. Ensure compliance with enhanced service requirements.
  4. Monitor implementation of workforce and reimbursement changes.