Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to continue funding (1) physician associates, and (2) physician associate apprenticeships, through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme; and what plans, if any, they have to fund additional GPs through that scheme.

The Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) provides funding for a number of additional roles, including Physician Associates, to help create bespoke, multi-disciplinary teams. The government currently intends to continue funding physician associate and physician associate apprenticeships through the scheme.

The government recently announced changes to the ARRS which allows primary care networks to recruit general practitioners (GP) through the scheme for 2024/25. This is an emergency measure for 2024/25 whilst the government works with the profession to identify a longer term solution.

The ARRS is subject to annual review as part of the consultation on the GP contract with professional and patient representatives. NHS England works closely with the Department to implement any changes identified as part of this process.