Welsh GP leaders have reached a deal with the Government resulting in £41.9m of investment for 2025/26, the BMA has confirmed.
The union’s GP committee for Wales said that, following ‘extensive negotiations’ with the Welsh Government and NHS Wales, it has reached a final GMS contract deal, covering the current financial year and elements of 2026/27.
The agreement was backed unanimously by the GPC, and the investment will be backdated to April, including the full 4% pay uplift for GP partners, salaried GPs and practices staff recommended earlier this year by the independent pay review body, as well as an expenses uplift for practices (see box).
The BMA added: ‘The package also contains a recurrent uplift of 5.8% to the contract for 2026-27 (approx. £30m), to enable practices to play a central role in the NHS Wales transformation agenda with investment earmarked for additional workforce, service transformation, and administrative support.
‘This does not preclude further investment following the consideration by the Welsh Government of the DDRB’s recommendations for 2026.’
The union also said that work will continue to scope a review of the global sum funding allocation formula.
What the deal includes
This year’s agreement delivers a total investment of £41.9m into general practice, comprising £37.9m of new investment and the continuation of £4m additional capacity funding. The package includes:
• A 4% pay uplift for GP partners and practice staff, in line with DDRB recommendations, ensuring fair and consistent recognition of the vital contribution made by the whole practice team. This total recurring investment is equivalent to £15.9m.
• 1.77% uplift for practice expenses, equivalent to a recurring £2m, supporting practices to manage rising costs.
• A recurring £20m to support immediate stabilisation and deliver this year’s agreed mandate in preparation for the next phase of reform.
• Continuation of £4m additional capacity funding for 2025-26.
Source: Welsh Government
BMA GPC Wales chair Dr Gareth Oelmann said: ‘After extensive negotiations, we are pleased to have reached an improved and credible settlement.
‘This agreement begins to address the significant pressures facing surgeries and recognises the hard work and dedication of GPs across Wales.
‘We hope this settlement brings stability to practices for this current year and provides some certainty ahead of the 2026 Senedd elections.
‘We believe it helps ensure a sustainable future for doctors and practice staff who work tirelessly to care for their communities.
‘Although we aimed to reach an agreement sooner, we hope colleagues understand the delay.
‘Throughout negotiations, we highlighted the significant financial challenges facing general practice in order to secure a better settlement. This agreement ensures proper investment in the contract for the next financial year.’
Cabinet secretary for health and social care Jeremy Miles said: ‘This agreement reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting general practice in Wales and is the result of constructive partnership working between the Welsh Government, NHS Wales and GPC Wales.
‘We have agreed to increase the partnership premium, recognising the vital role GP partners play in leading resilient practices.
‘This will directly support the retention of experienced clinicians, making partnership more attractive and sustainable. By investing in our leaders, it will help to secure continuity of care and strengthen the future of general practice for communities across Wales.’
It comes after earlier this year Welsh GP leaders had asked the BMA pursue a contract dispute with the Government due to delays in negotiating the contract for 2025/26.
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