Practice-level GP reimbursement scheme now includes locums

Getty/FatCamera

By Sarah Lowden

GP practices can now make claims for locums under the reimbursement scheme which was introduced in the spring.

NHS England (NHSE) has announced a number of changes to increase GP capacity, including allowing practices to transfer their allocation of funding to other practices.

Claims will be able to be made for locums and employed GPs who are increasing their hours up to a maximum of nine sessions per week. For example, a GP currently working four sessions a week can work an extra five under the scheme.

In the updated scheme document, NHSE set out the key changes which apply from 1 October:

• Allow practices to make claims for GP locums from 1 October 2026 until 31 March 2027
• Allow practices to transfer all, or part, of their funding entitlement to any other practice – such as, outside or within their own PCN
• Clarify that claims can be made for new GPs employed by practices between 24 February 2026 and 31 March 2027