The government today (9 October 2025) announced a major review of GP funding to ensure fairer access to primary care for patients in poorer and coastal communities. The review will address growing inequalities across England by replacing the outdated Carr-Hill formula, which currently determines how GP funding is distributed.
Developed more than 20 years ago, the Carr-Hill formula uses GP workload data that in some cases dates back a quarter of a century. It no longer reflects the modern pressures on practices or the changing health needs of local populations.
Communities in deprived areas and along the coast often face the greatest health challenges but have fewer GPs and longer waiting times. Research shows GP practices in deprived areas receive nearly 10% less funding per patient than those in more affluent areas, despite higher demand and poorer health outcomes. In London, for example, there are 2,501 patients per GP compared with 1,967 in the South West – a gap of over 500 patients per doctor.
A 2021 report from the Chief Medical Officer highlighted that towns such as Morecambe have struggled for decades to recruit and retain GPs and nurses, and called for reform of the funding formula to better support deprived coastal communities.
As part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, general practice is at the heart of efforts to shift healthcare from hospitals into communities. To support this, the government has already:
- Invested an additional £1.1 billion in general practice
- Delivered two above-inflation pay rises for staff
- Recruited over 2,000 new GPs
- Rolled out nationwide online appointment booking, ending the 8am rush for appointments
The six-month review, led by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), will design a new funding model that reflects today’s population needs, assesses its feasibility, and ensures alignment with the government’s long-term health strategy.
Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock said:
“The way GP funding is allocated is outdated and no longer fit for purpose. Too many communities – especially in deprived and coastal areas – are being left behind. This review will help end the postcode lottery of care and make sure funding goes where it’s needed most.”
Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS England’s National Director for Primary Care, added:
“It’s essential that GP practices serving our most deprived communities receive a fair share of resources. Overhauling the funding model will ensure patients everywhere can access the support they need.”
Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, welcomed the review:
“A patient’s postcode should never determine their access to care. Reforming this formula is vital to tackling inequality and supporting GPs who serve communities with the most complex needs.”
The new funding review comes alongside other major reforms, including the requirement for GP practices to keep online consultation tools open from 8am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday, to improve access and reduce pressure on phone lines.
Together, these measures aim to create a fairer, more sustainable GP system that ensures patients in every community – regardless of where they live – can get the care they need, when they need it.
Source: Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and Stephen Kinnock MP
