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The Business of Primary Care Networks
Over 250 blogs to support the leadership and management of primary care networks
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Autumn Budget 2026: what will the minimum wage rise cost your practice?
The National Living Wage rises to ÂŁ13.21 an hour from 1 April 2027, as confirmed in the Autumn Budget 2026. Use this free calculator to estimate what it will add to your GP practice pay bill, including employer National Insurance and pension.
14 hours ago2 min read
Autumn Budget 2026: what it means for the NHS and primary care
Chancellor John Healey’s Autumn Budget 2026 adds £190 million for NHS winter pressures, the only new NHS money in it. This is a plain summary of what that money is for, what else the Budget means for NHS employers, and why primary care isn’t mentioned at all.
14 hours ago4 min read
Who pays for the NHS left shift? (Why the money isn't following patients out of hospital)
NHS England says the left shift isn't happening in practice. This blog looks at why the money isn't following patients out of hospital, using one trust's accounts as an example.
Oct 195 min read
Where does the money sit in a primary care network, who can see it, and whose is it?
A PCN's money goes to one nominated payee, and that practice sees the full picture first. This part of the series looks at who holds the money, who can see it, who it belongs to, and what that means for neighbourhood working.
Oct 67 min read
How the GP reimbursement scheme and ARRS rules have loosened since 2023
Locums can now be claimed through the ÂŁ292m GP reimbursement scheme. Tara Humphrey maps how CAIP, ARRS and GP funding rules have loosened since 2023.
Sep 305 min read
Better Decision Making in Practice
Every day in general practice we make decisions.
Most are small and made quickly, sometimes without us even thinking about them. Others are much bigger and involve money, people, risk or the future of the practice and can have consequences for years. Making decisions is simply part of running a business.
Sep 285 min read
Four financial reports every practice needs
Article Excerpt
Most GP practices produce financial information, but far fewer produce reports that genuinely support decision making. This article explains the four simple financial reports every practice should use to improve financial management, strengthen leadership and make better business decisions.
Aug 125 min read
How to Cost a Service: The Guide for PCN Leaders
A practical guide to costing NHS primary care services — from asking the right questions and building transparent spreadsheets to anchoring your board presentation. Includes downloadable A3 infographic.
May 135 min read
No New Money. No Neighbourhood Contract. So What Do We Do?
Primary care leaders are navigating neighbourhoods working with limited resources.
Apr 284 min read
The Removal of the Capacity and Access Payment: What PCN Leaders Can Still Choose to Do
The removal of the Capacity and Access Payment from the PCN budget does not have to be an all-or-nothing story. The contract has taken the money away, but nothing stops a network and its practices deciding together what to do next. Here is what PCN leaders can still choose to do.
Apr 214 min read
The Guide to Navigating the PCN DES 26/27
The PCN Network Contract DES 2026/27 specification is here. Members get a 13-slide key changes deck, updated ARRS salary calculator, financial entitlements tool, templates and AskTHC. All in one place.
Apr 122 min read
Primary Care Network Funding: Whose Money Is It Anyway?
Discover proven strategies for managing primary care network funding conflicts.
Learn how to navigate different money mindsets and build transparent financial processes.
Sep 28, 20255 min read
How to Navigate Financial Challenges in Your Primary Care Network (PCN)
Facing financial tensions in your Primary Care Network? You’re not alone. Many PCN leaders are struggling with funding conflicts, uneven contributions, and eroding trust. Traditional fixes like new agreements or spreadsheets rarely solve the deeper issues. Real progress starts with honest dialogue, clear expectations, and addressing uncomfortable truths. As a leader, your role is to facilitate consensus and rebuild collaboration.
May 21, 20254 min read
5 Key Accounting Terms and What They Mean for Primary Care Networks
Learn the five essential accounting terms every Primary Care Network should understand to navigate complex healthcare finances effectively.
May 5, 20254 min read
Closing Out the End of Year for PCN Managers
As a PCN Manager, the end of the financial year is a crucial time to get things in order and set the stage for a seamless transition into the new year.
Apr 29, 20254 min read
Simplifying Raw, Adjusted and Weighted Population List Sizes | A Guide for Primary Care Network Leaders
Understand raw, adjusted, and weighted population lists and their critical impact on NHS funding and resource planning for Primary Care Netw
Apr 1, 20255 min read
The 25/26 PCN DES and the expanded Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS)
Explore our analysis of the expanded PCN DES 2025/26 ARRS reimbursement scheme beyond the impact of national insurance.
Mar 31, 20255 min read
The Primary Care Network Managers Finance Guide 2024 - 2025
Managing finances effectively is crucial to the success of any Primary Care Network (PCN), and this guide provides you with the essential to
Jan 15, 20251 min read
What Does The Autumn Budget Mean For Primary Care Networks?
This blog focuses on the Autumn 2024 budget, which was released on 30 October 2024, and its impact on primary care networks.
Oct 31, 20245 min read
8 key finance questions every Primary Care Network Manager and Clinical Director should know in 2024
Finance Questions every Primary Care Network Manager & Clinical Director should know in 2024
Oct 28, 20245 min read
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