The 2025/26 General Practice contract has officially been announced, bringing with it the most significant investment in over a decade. With an £889 million boost to core funding, NHS England is aiming to strengthen primary care, improve access for patients and reduce pressure on clinical staff.
For GPs, practice managers and primary care networks across the UK, these updates mark a shift in focus towards digital transformation, patient experience and long-term workforce sustainability.
Key changes in the 2025/26 GP contract
Increased funding to support recruitment and retention
The additional £889 million in funding will directly support practices in managing rising demand. This uplift is expected to help stabilise staffing, enhance recruitment efforts and ensure practices can continue delivering high-quality care.
Reduction in administrative targets
One of the most welcomed changes is the reduction in performance indicators, with targets being cut from 77 to 44. This is designed to reduce bureaucracy, allowing GPs and their teams to spend more time focusing on patient care rather than paperwork.
Digital-first access by October 2025
By October 2025, all GP practices in England will be expected to offer patients digital access during core hours. This includes the ability to request routine appointments, manage medication queries and submit administrative requests through online systems. The aim is to modernise access and reduce telephone bottlenecks, improving both patient experience and practice efficiency.
Increased ARRS reimbursement
Under the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS), the maximum salary reimbursement for GPs will rise to £82,418. This adjustment is intended to help Primary Care Networks attract and retain qualified clinicians, addressing staffing challenges and supporting multidisciplinary working.
What this means for general practice
These changes represent a strategic effort to modernise general practice and make it more sustainable in the long term. By investing in digital infrastructure, easing administrative demands and boosting workforce support, NHS England is encouraging practices to build more efficient, resilient care models.
For clinicians, this means more time with patients and less time on paperwork. For patients, it means faster access, more communication options and a better overall experience.
How Vela Medical Group is supporting the transition
At Vela Medical Group, we are working closely with practices, PCNs and clinicians across the UK to help them prepare for and adapt to these updates. Our specialist recruitment and workforce planning services are designed to meet the evolving needs of primary care.
Whether you are looking for flexible work or considering a new role, we are here to support your next step.
Get in touch with our team:
contact@vela-mg.com
0203 987 4694
Learn more
You can read the full GP contract update on NHS England’s official site:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/changes-to-the-gp-contract-in-2025-26