PCNs encouraged to use ARRS funding to recruit recently qualified GPs

An additional £82 million in funding has been allocated to enable PCNs to hire over 1,000 more GPs

NHS England has reassured that GP Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme funding will continue in 2025/26, encouraging primary care networks (PCNs) to use it for recruiting recently qualified GPs.

In October 2024, updates to the Network Contract DES specification enabled PCNs to claim reimbursement for hiring recently qualified GPs through the ARRS for the remainder of 2024/25.

An additional £82 million in funding was also announced to allow PCNs to employ over 1,000 additional GPs.

This action is part of the government's strategy to boost long-term GP employment, helping practices offer more appointments for patients and addressing the issue of unemployment among newly qualified GPs.

However, NHS England recognised that uncertainty about the continuation of ARRS funding beyond 2024/25 has been a barrier for some PCNs in undertaking recruitment of recently qualified GPs.

To address this, Dr. Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHSE, issued an official statement reaffirming the continuation of this funding into 2025/26.

She said: “On the 20 December 2024 the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care wrote to all GP practices in England regarding the proposed funding uplift for General Practice in 2025/26 and to provide reassurance that this additional GP ARRS funding will continue into 2025/26.”

Dr. Doyle emphasised that the number of GPs recruited is being monitored and that regions and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) will support PCNs that have not yet utilised the ARRS funding.

PCNs that have not claimed reimbursement for a recently qualified GP in 2024/25 are asked to to set out their recruitment intentions for the remainder of the financial year to their ICB by 31 January 2025.

“ICBs stand ready to advise PCNs on any concerns or questions they have,” she added.