<2>GP Contract: Funding to Tackle Doctor Shortage but “Unrealistic” Same Day Urgent Access Promised in New Deal
<3>Government Invests £485m in GP Funding to Address Doctor Shortage
The 2026-27 GP contract deal has been announced, bringing a £485m uplift to core practice funding. This represents a 3.6% cash increase, which the government claims is the second real terms increase in GP funding in two years. The full uplift figure equates to an average of about £78,000 per practice.
<3>Health and Social Care Secretary’s Statement on GP Funding
Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting stated that the investment was fulfilling the government’s commitment to “fixing the front door to the NHS” and shifting care out of hospitals and into the community. The BMA, however, has expressed concerns over the “unrealistic” expectations placed on GPs.
<3>Concerns Over Same Day Urgent Access Promises
The contract promises that all patients with urgent needs will be able to get a same day GP appointment. However, the BMA has criticised this promise as “unrealistic”, suggesting that it may be difficult for GPs to meet this demand