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Navigating seniority adjustments in the NHS: Key updates and deadlines

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Background on Seniority Payments

Before March 2020, some GPs received a seniority allowance based on their reckonable NHS membership. These payments were linked to average national pensionable pay and were initially estimated, as final seniority factors took several years to confirm.

Each year, a reconciliation exercise would take place, with adjustments made to practice accounts. However, following the phasing out of Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and the introduction of PCSE, these reconciliations were paused for several years.

Recent Developments

PCSE has now started reconciling prior-year seniority payments for the financial years 2016/17 to 2019/20. They’ve confirmed that they won’t be reviewing periods earlier than 2016/17.

Emails relating to the 2016/17 reconciliations have recently been sent to practices where adjustments are due. These emails include details of the GPs involved and the specific adjustment amounts.

You’ll need to check that these figures are correct and understand how they may affect your current accounts—especially if they relate to a GP who’s no longer at the practice.

If you have queries, you must raise a case with PCSE by Friday, 20 June 2025. Adjustments will be reflected in the August 2025 GMS/PMS statements.

Actions Required

To check the accuracy of adjustments, GP practices should:

  1. Review the breakdown
    PCSE emails include a breakdown showing how the seniority adjustments were calculated. This will help you identify the years, partners, and amounts involved. Review these carefully and check whether any provisions have already been made in your partnership accounts.
  2. Contact PCSE if needed
    If you dispute any figures, contact PCSE before Friday, 20 June 2025. PCSE has agreed not to collect disputed adjustments straight away, giving practices time to resolve any discrepancies.
  3. Review your partnership agreements
    If adjustments involve former or retired partners, check your partnership agreement to see who is responsible for receiving or paying the relevant amounts.

Need help?

If you’d like support reviewing your seniority adjustment figures or understanding the implications for your partnership accounts, we’re here to help. Get in touch with your usual Larking Gowen contact or email enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk.

Louise Prime

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