GP reimbursement scheme: what the latest changes mean for practices

The GP reimbursement scheme, introduced on 1 April 2026 as part of the 2026/27 General Medical Services (GMS) contract, has brought significant changes to how GP practices receive funding.

Replacing the previous Capacity and Access payments made to Primary Care Networks (PCNs), the scheme provides £4.57 per adjusted patient to help practices increase GP capacity. However, unlike the previous funding arrangement, practices must now claim reimbursement for eligible costs rather than receive automatic monthly payments.

Recent changes, effective from 1 October 2026, have introduced greater flexibility, giving practices more opportunities to access this funding.

What's changed?

Initially, practices could only claim for additional capacity provided by employed salaried GPs, by way of increased session for existing GPs or employment of new GPs. This proved challenging, particularly for smaller practices struggling to recruit with a limited pot of funding.

From 1 October 2026, practices can also claim for additional locum GP sessions, provided they can demonstrate increased capacity.

There are still restrictions to consider:

• Additional sessions must not exceed the nine-session limit.
• Practices cannot claim for costs already funded through other schemes.
• New salaried GPs must not have worked at the practice during the previous 12 months.
• Claims must be made within the relevant three-month period.

Importantly, the funding allocation covers the full financial year, meaning practices can still access their available funding even if additional capacity wasn't introduced until later in the year.

Managing cash flow pressures

One important consideration is cash flow. As reimbursements are paid after costs have been incurred, practices may experience additional financial pressure while waiting for payments.
It's worth reviewing your available funding and planning how best to use it before 31 March 2027.

Other funding updates

The October update also introduced changes to dispensing fees and childhood vaccination incentives.
Dispensing practices should review how prescriptions are allocated across eligible prescribers to make sure they're maximising available fees.

Meanwhile, changes to childhood vaccination incentives may allow practices to receive funding for improved vaccination rates, even where targets haven't been fully achieved.

Need help?

Understanding these changes can help your practice make the most of available funding.

If you'd like to learn more, I discuss the GP reimbursement scheme and other funding updates in greater detail with fellow medical partner Lizzy Lloyd in a recent episode of Larking Gowen Insights. 

If you've got any questions about how these changes affect your practice, get in touch with your usual Larking Gowen contact or email enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk

To listen to the full podcast search Larking Gowen Insights wherever you get your podcasts, find us on YouTube or listen below 

Louise Dean | Partner, Medical team | Larking Gowen