A six-month review will examine how GP funding is distributed across England, aiming to end long-standing inequalities that leave deprived and coastal communities with poorer access to care
As reported by the National Health Executive, the government has announced a wide-ranging review of how GP funding is allocated in England, pledging to modernise a system that many say entrenches health inequalities.
At the centre of the review is the Carr-Hill formula, a funding mechanism introduced more than 20 years ago to reflect GP workload. Critics argue it no longer captures the reality of today’s patient needs – particularly in areas facing chronic deprivation, workforce shortages, and longer waits for appointments.
Analysis shows that GP practices in poorer communities receive nearly 10% less funding per patient than those in more affluent areas. These practices also struggle to recruit doctors and are more likely to close permanently, deepening access gaps.
Regional differences are stark: in London, there are 2,501 patients for every GP, compared with 1,967 in the South West. The impact is most severe in the capital’s poorest boroughs, where residents experience shorter life expectancy and more years living in poor health.
Led by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the six-month review will recommend a new model that better reflects population need, replacing the outdated Carr-Hill approach. It will also assess how the changes align with the government’s 10-Year Health Plan.
Officials hope the reforms will help reduce the “8 a.m. scramble” for appointments, ensuring timely and fair access to primary care across England.
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