Government invites Healthwatch England into GP contract talks

GP contract - 2026/27 

Previously the government has only held contract talks with the GPs’ committee of the doctors’ union, the British Medical Association (BMA). However, Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting wrote to the BMA this week to inform them he was widening this out to a range of stakeholders to ensure “we reflect the diversity of views amongst the profession and patients as we establish our next steps to get general practice back on its feet and make it fit for the future”.

The government will also consult the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), the National Association of Primary Care, National Voices, and the NHS Confederation. Healthwatch are awaiting terms of reference. The consultation will run for six weeks from 1st December until 23rd January.

“Access to GP services remains the most common concern we hear about. This affects communities across the country, but the greatest impact is felt by disadvantaged groups such as disabled people and those on lower incomes. 

"We therefore welcome the opportunity to bring the experiences and concerns of patients into GP contract negotiations. By ensuring the patient voice is heard, the NHS can make services more patient‑centred and responsive to real needs.”

William Pett, Healthwatch England, Head of Policy, Public Affairs and Research