The GP contract for 2026-2027 includes a £485m increase in core funding for GPs with effect from 1 April, representing a 3.6% increase in cash or a 1.4% increase in real terms.[2] This increase includes the assumption of a wage increase of 2.5% in 2026-2027 in accordance with the recommendation of the wage control authorities.[2] The £485 million increase brings the total value of the GP contract to £13.86 billion.[2] However, the increase is significantly lower than the £969 million (7.2%) increase in investment from previous years.[2] The existing revenue stream paid to GP Practices to fund Improvement of Access (CAP) has been redirected to a practice level payment scheme which will fund the recruitment of additional GPs or increased sittings.[2] The government says the measure will increase access and be equivalent to around 1,600 full-time GPs.[2]