Over the past few years, general practice has been caught between rising demand, shrinking workforce numbers, and a constant stream of policy initiatives designed to “fix” the problem. The latest of these is the GP Reimbursement Scheme, introduced in May 2026 as part of the updated GP contract. On paper, it looks like a practical way to increase GP capacity. But it may raise as many questions as it answers.

General practice in England has entered one of its most turbulent periods in over a decade. Recently, two major developments have reshaped the national conversation.