GP funding cut in real terms as appointment waits climb – Lib Dems

Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

By Storm Newton, PA

Funding for GP practices has been cut – with patients now facing longer waits for appointments, according to analysis by the Liberal Democrats.

Experts warned that cuts in primary care “adversely impact” deprived communities and more investment is needed to safeguard the future of general practice.

House of Commons Library research commissioned by the Lib Dems found funding for GP practices had been cut by £350 million in real terms since 2019.

The party claims investment in practices for 2022/23 was 6.9% down on 2018/19, taking inflation into account.

Average funding per patient was £165, down £12 over the last four years.

Analysis by the Lib Dems also found 1.5 million GP appointments in November took place four weeks or more after being booked.

This equated to one in 20, or 4.8%, of appointments for the month.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “It is unforgivable that the Conservative government has slashed funding for GP practices at a time of rising demand. Millions of people are being left anxious or waiting in pain because they can’t get an appointment with their GP.