Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to reform the general practice funding model.

We recognise the importance of ensuring that the funding for core general practice (GP) services is distributed equitably between practices across the country. My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, announced on 25 June that, through the 10-Year Health Plan, the Government will review the GP funding formula, the Carr-Hill formula, with the aim of ensuring that resources are targeted where they are most needed.

In November, I wrote to MPs to inform them of the details of the review.

The review is being conducted by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and the commencement of the review was announced on 9 October. Recommendations are expected in March 2026. The review will draw on a range of evidence and advice from experts, with a focus on how health need is reflected in funding. Ministers will then decide whether to proceed with the technical development and testing of a new formula, and any other changes motivated by the review.

Implementation of any new funding approach will be subject to ministerial decision, in the context of the available funding and our commitment to substantively reform the General Medical Services Contract within this Parliament.